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THE 


WORKS , 


CLAUDIAN;: 


TRANSLATED INTO 


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1 
»T 


A. HAWKINS, ESQ. F.H.S. 


one pee 


IN TWO VOLUMES. 


qun 


VOL. I. 


[OE 


e: He was endowed with the rare and precious talent of raising the 
meanest, of adorning the most barren, and of diversifying the 


most similar topics.” 
Grs30Nn. 


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LONDON: 


PRINTED FOR J PORTER, NO. 81, PALL-MALY; 
AND LANGDON AND SON, SHERBORNE. 


ed 


1817. 


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| CONTENTS. 


VOL. I. 


Page. 


Panegyrick on the Consulship of. Probynus a and 1 Olybriaes eee, 
Invectives against Rufinus : 
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Panegyrick on the third Consulship of Honorius: 
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Panegyrick on the fourth Consulship of: Fronorins, « Cd sces scenes 











. Epithalamium on Honorius and Mary: 


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Panegyrick on.the Consulship o of Mellius "Theodorus : 
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VOL. 1I. ^ 
Invectives against Eutropius : ' 





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Praises of Stilicho: 
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—— Book 11. eoccccessesnecocapesecscescseses BÀ 
— Book 111. 
— Preface,» «eese eeeeoooe eee eere ooo J07 


——— Book 111. ettet nnne 109 
Getic War : o 4. 5,4 

omens Preface, epecceoseecoocepoveseneveccceccececssce ]127 
—— Getic War, «««««« gozo petohootehoo oos sos 190 

v Panegyrick on the sixth Consulship of Honorius : 
DEM Preface, veeseess 159 
—— Panegyrick, «++e++ 161 
Praises of Seti sib Lee eie TETRD veobseasibosnieeeveove 191 
UC Ppihalemium on Palladius and Celerina::. . P 
OPEM PODIUM Preface, vecesccseces 903 








i2 Epithalamium, 9------« 204 
Rape of Proserpine D. mM 
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M — . Book t1. esseeqeelooeviscccceuecéiubvooves 228 





Book III. «eco ocdbeoocesceeocepasceceqeocs PhS 
Gigantomechia, escosensbaqqooeccceceeccsecececcicceve O66 
Giant. Fight, eseesseeeekeeccleecscesscoseoosscescesooes 279 
Epistles: . ..---. E 
Ie. To.the Prefect Adiiany eese ente neret 977 
11. To Serena, «eoe prosoosoocoobecosccce. 28Ó 
ii1.- To Olybtius, «eee eere rre oorr oS. 982 
- By. To Prabynus, etoeooscsessceeoaeooseeeecccecee IBZ 
v. To Gennadius, *-**«»-«ooooe esee eros 984 
]dyls: Tot 


I. The Phemz, CEOPRET HS OH ERODE EE Ee He ODEs esereese 289 
il. Phe Porcupine, -++++esesyesvecccccccescsseveccs 904 


HI. The Cramp-Fish, ll te 2906 
. iv. The Nie, eee etre eer rnt 297 
Y. The Loadstons, «eee eren, enn 300 








4 Page. 
Idyls. —_ 
, ‘Vi. Aponus,- : 00096009000€60000000000000602969c«90949 dct 60000 302 


vH On the Plows Brothere empkismm dud dniputy ++ 306 
Eevee | 
V Qs The Gollic Mele, -ec09e000090»906009090c0000902620 311 
vow The Oid -Man-of Verona, « «ee «vo eee eoe ehe eo toe 319 
wan The Weld Boar and the Lion, «49. .22*--5-. SIS 
IY) Description of a. Herd of Cattle, coo hndornedesecese GIS 
JV. v1 Fhe Comth, -occccccccccewecnccceptivebentescsse BIZ 
vt. The crystal, having Water within, -seccvesccetccces 315 
vit; -On-The Same, occcccccccsoncccascceesedetscseer SI 
vii; ‘On T ke Same, ecccococcccccsaccqeeceéecebtebeoctt SIS 
1X: -On The Same, ecccccccccvecccscccsvivoccscests SIG 
> of On The Same, ec*9009929992*9v9999vvo0o960o90226, SIG 
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xn: On The Same, wsevvrvevvveseccccccciveceticsece 9]T 
Writ. Oa The Same; SO Se Ce es ee 3 
xIY. On The Same, serrverevvccscccvvsesssvoccccscees 318 
RV, SSeS esses sees sss das edtdsovesnovesseresesossss DIS 
xvi. The iVnaton Growing Ohl, -ccstecccccecveccsesse $18 
xvii. The Slave Who Drew Chastisement on Himself, «----- 319 
XVIII. The Sphere of Archimedes, ecccscccesceceececscees 319 
xix. Polyeasté and Perdiz, +-¢ssseccccossccecscscecee 390 
xx. On The Girth of The Royal Horse Sent to Honorius by 
Serena, eteccscvossceveccocececeeccecccececes 390) 
xxi. On a Girth sent by the Same to Honorius, «..-..-... 321 
XXII. On the Mantle end Bridles, sent by the Same to Honorius, 321 
xxIH. Om the Bridle, Trappings, and Girth of Honortus’s Horse, 
sent by Serena, ooesescecccesccscccccercvcccee 222 
xxiv. Petition to the Questor Alethius, «9222-4... 323 
RXV. Against Curetius, ecccc0sosescsotocccecececececeve SIL 
XXVI. Against the Same,» 5. ecoccccccceceseceee 395 
xxviI. Against James, the General of Horse,- - ****9* »--... 325 
xxviH. The Arms of a Man in Anger, »2** rrr 326 
xxIx. The Gowly Critick, coves sesccscvcccececccccese 397 
xxx. On Mallius Theodorus and Adrian, «csceccceccsvees 397 
ZxxI. To JEtermalis, «2ccretecccccsccccvsccccccossees 398 
XxXxII. To Maximus who sent Honey, «sorceveccescececses 226 


Epigrams : 0l 
. xxxii. The Locust, ««-«-« coco c occoccococcseeoeseecneve 328 
xxxiv..TÀe BalÀs of Quintius, «4«-« 2... ecooeoe cose e 399 
xxxv. Description of the Port of Smyrna, «**««« «e 5e» 329 
xxxvi. TÀe Distant View, oseccccccnescnceteccocacenes 330 

, xxxvii. The. Marble Car, cccccetccccccsccccspescscceses 33O 
xxxvIHIL. A Fragment, ---ccececcocvacsocvceccecceceepese 390 
,XXxix. The Pauper in Love, «s» eee eececovececeeccceeee 931 
.XL. Om the Same, ceocecccscoccccveccssccscvsccgves 33] 
xLi. The Tomb of Beauty, ««-« «ceo eee eere oes S31 
XLIL .The Castorean Mantle,- «45e ee eee eto oeoe es $32 
xLII. The Hippopotamus, ««-«-eccececvseeeveeccvecece SSS 
XLIV. The Sardonysx-Desh, -ee00eo009«090090990999090*9959* GaGa 

v XLV. Easter, «-»...--002»o0»5o2ccovoccoceccoceeacsecce SIG 
. MLW. Whe Saviour, «ecc co-2^a52o2onacco escceccecccvos 334 
/ xLVII. The Lord Christ, «2222s encooaopococncoccescose 335 
v XLVIH. The Praise of Christ,» 22» «epo oopeeoceseodvocecece 335 
/ xXLIX. The Miracles of Christ, »»»»e«»» eee eegecooceeco 337 
L. The Sirena, 5e» epo o eoo other eotnecnecoes 338 

The Praises of Hercules, erveseccsecseoccccscegecesescvces 338 


Page. 


*.€06€0€8 9 8 @ @ 











THE WORKS OF CLAUDIAN, 
| TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE. 


* He was endowed with the rare and precious talent of raising the 
3$neanest, of adorning the most barren, aud of diversifying the most 


similar topics.” 
G1»30x. 


CL. CLAUDIANI 
IN 
PROBINI ET OLYBRII 
Fratrum 
CONSULATUM PANEGYRIS. 





SOL qui flammigeris mundum complexus habenis 
Volvis inexhausto redeuntia secula motu, 

Sparge diem meliore coma, crinemque repexi 

Blandius elato surgant temone jugales, 

Efflantcs roseum freenis spumantibus ignem. 5 
Jam nova germanis vestigia torqueat annus 

Consulibus, lsetique petant exordia menses. 

Scis genus Auchenium, nec te latuere potentes 

Anniade : nam sepe soles ductoribus illis 

Instaurare vias, & cursibus addere nomen. ^ 40 
His neque per dubium pendet Fortuna favorem, 

Nec novit mutare vices; séd fixus in omnes 

Cognatos procedit honos, quemcumque requires 

Hac de stirpe virum, certum est de Consule nasci. 

Per fasces numerantur avi, semperque renata 15 
Nobilitate virent, & prolem fata sequuntur, 

Continuum simili servantia lege tenorem : 





PANEGYRICK 


ON THE 


CONSULSHIP of PROBINUS and OLYBRIUS. 


ole oo 


©O Sot, whose reins of fire the world control ; 
Who, age on age, in lasting motion, roll : 

Upon this day let bright resplendence shine, 

That, sleek each mane, your coursers may incline, 
The chariot-pole to raise and forward roan, 

With breath of purple flame and mouths of foam. 
Let consuls for the year one race bestow : 
Commence the months with joys that freely flow. 


To you Auchenius' line is fully known, 
Nor less has Annius! pow’rful house been shown ; 
Beneath their auspices, you oft appear | 
To enter on your course, and name the year. 


Turin weal the fickle goddess don't suspend, 
Nor lets inconstancy her steps attend, | 
But, fixed her will in what regards the race, 

Her honours all the progeny embrace. 

Past consuls, these for fathers clearly count: 

Their parents’ ancestors by FAscEs mount ; 

Nobility descends from son to son; 

And FATE continues what was well begun. 
A 2 


10 


15 


20 





4 


Nec quisquam procerum tentat, licet ere vetusto 
Floreat, & claro cingatur Roma Senatu, 

Se jactare parem : sed, prima sede relicta 
Aucheniis, de jure licet certare secundo. 

Haud secus ac tacitam Luna regnante per Arcton 
Sideree cedunt acies, cum fratre retuso 

ZEmulus adversis flagraverit ignibus orbis. 

Tunc jubar Arcturi languet: tunc fulva Leonis 
Ira perit: Plaustro jam rara intermicat Arctos 
Indignata tegi : jam caligantibus armis 

Debilis Orion dextram miratur inermem. 

Quem prius aggrediar? veteris quis facta Probini 
Nesciat, aut nimias laudes ignoret Olybri? 

Vivit adhuc, completque vagis sermonibus aures 
Gloria fusa Probi, quam nec ventura silebunt 
Lustra, nec ignota rapiet sub nube vetustas, 
Illum fama vehit trans sequora, transque remotas 
Tethyos ambages, Atlanteosque recessus. 

Audiit &, gelido si quem Meotica pascit 

Sub Jove, vel calido, si quis conjunctus in axe 
Nascentem te, Nile, bibit, virtutibits ille 
Fortunam domuit ; numquamque levantibus alte 


Intumuit rebus : sed mens circumflua Juxu 


20 


25 


30 


40 





5 


Bronze vainly traces to the Roman soul 

The brilliant acts that grace th’ historick roll; : 
And, in the senate, glory sits beside 

The martial heroes, who for triumph vied. 

But while th’ Auchenii you chief rank assure ; 
By right you seek the second to secure. 


THus, ‘mid the silent Arctos, starry light 
Recedes while Luna reigns with splendour bright, 
When from her brother's disk she borrows rays, 
And, saucily, reflected beams displays ; 

Arcturus scarcely glimmers; Leo’s ire 

No longer seems to rage with wonted fire ; 
Reluctantly away great Ursa steals ; 

Beneath Bootes’ shade, grim frowns conceals ; 
Orion’s countenance betrays alarm :— 

Of lustre void his sword :—unnerved his arm, 


Ow which begin? I ask.—Oft we are told 
Probinus’ noble deeds and actions bold ; 
And equally Olybrius is known, 
For virtuous worth and excellence his own. 


Stitt Probus’ glory lives, and echoes round ; 
His praises ev'ry tongue desires to sound ; 
Nor shall oblivion dire destroy his fame, 
But future ages venerate his name. 
O'er seas, and where the streams of Tethys flow ; 
Mount Atlas’ wilds :—Mzeotis’ frozen snow ; 


Where Nile the ocean joins, through burning sands : 


There his renown is heard, and far expands. 
His virtues, Fortunz, most securely chain ; 
Prosperity has never made him vain ; 


30 


40 


50 


e 
Noverat intactum vitio servare rigorem. 0-07 
Hic non divitias nigrantibus abdidit antris, 
Nec tenebris damnavit opes : sed largior imbre 
Sueverat innumeras hominum ditare catervas. 
Quippe velut densos currentie munera nimbos 45 
Cernere semper erat: populis undare Penates : 
Assiduos intrare inopes: remeare beatos. 
Preceps illa manus fluvios superabat Iberos 
Aurea dona vomens, sic quis tellure revulsa 
Sollicitis fodiens rimatur collibus aurum : 50 
Quantum stagna Tagi rudibus stillantia venis 
Effluxere decus: quanto pretiosa metallo 
Hermi ripa micat: quentas per Lydia culta 
Despumat rutilas dives Pactolus arenas. 
Non, mihi centenis resonent si vocibus ora, $3 
Multifidusque ruat centum per pectora Phcebus, 
Acta Probi narrare queam, quot in ordine gentes 
Rexerit, ad summi quoties fastigia juris 
Venerit, Italie late cum frena teneret, 
Illyricosque sinus, & quos arat Africa campos. 60 
Sed nati vicere patrem, solique merentur 
Victores audire Probi, non contigit illi 
Talis honor, prima cum parte viresceret evi. 
Non consul cum fratre fuit. Vos nulla fatigat 
Cura, diu majora petens : non anxia mentem 65 


Y 


Bat, "mid delicious luxuries, his mind, 

By vice unharmed, to honour is resigned. 
His riches ne'er in caverns bas he placed; 
Nor can his treasures be to darkness traced ; 
But lib'ral to excess, he loved to give, 

And numbers furnished with the means to live. 
His pow'rs were ample, tp relieve at will ; 
The needy daily came, and had their fill. 
More gifts profuse were scattered by his hand, 
Than all Iberia's golden streams command ; 
Or richest ore from depth of earth is gained, 
Or from deep Tagus’ rugged bottom drained : 
As much as Hermus' shining shores display 
Of precious metals, or the sparkling clay 
Pactolus' ever-flowing water yields, 

And throws abroad on Lydia’s fertile fields. 


Ir, from my lips, a hundred voices spoke, 
Or Phoebus in my breast as oft awoke, 
Could I.the acts of Probus e’er relate? 
The nations who obeyed his orders state ? 
How oft on glory's summit he was placed? 
How wide his laws and empire might be traced ? 
O'er Italy; Illyricum's deep bay ; 
And where the Africans through ploughlands stray ? 


""Yzm born to shine superior to the rest, 

Will these but merit Probus' fame confessed ? 

Not so ;—such honours he in youth ne'er got ; 

Nor consul with him was a brother's lot. 

No cares fatigue ; no anxious doubt appears, 

To rack your breasts with flutt’ring hopes and fears. 


35 


60 


70 


75 


80 


v ] 


8 


Spes agit, & longo tendit precordia voto. 
Ceepistis, qua finis erat, primordia vestra 

Vix pauci meruere senes: metasque tenetis 
Ante, genas dulces quam flos juvenilis inumbret, 


Oraque ridenti lanugine vestiat setas. 


Tu, precor, ignarum doceas, Parnassia, vatem, 
Quis Deus ambobus tanti sit muneris auctor. 
Postquam fulmineis impellens viribus hostem 
Belliger Augustus trepidas laxaverat Alpes, 
Roma Probo cupiens dignas persolvere grates, 
Sedula pro natis dominum flexura rogando 
Ire parat. Famuli currum junxere volantem 
Impetus, horribilisque Metus, qui semper agentes 
Prelia cum fremitu Romam comitantur anhelo, 
Sive petat Parthos, seu cuspide turbet Hydaspen. 
Hic ligat axe rotas : hic sub juga ferrea mittit 
Cornipedes, rigidisque docet servire lupatis. 

Ipsa, triumphatis qua possidet sethera regnis, 

Assilit, innupte ritus imitata Minerve. 

Nam neque cesariem crinali stringere cultu, 

Colla nec ornatu patitur mollire retorto ; . 

Dextrum nuda latus, niveos exserta lacertos, 
Audacem retegit mammam, laxumque coércens ; 
Mordet gemma sinum. Nodus, qui sublevat ensem 


70 


85 


9 


Your grand career begins where ethers’ ends : 
Such honour, few of hoary years, attends ; 
The goal you reach ere bloom diffuses grace, 
Or age has clothed with pleasing down the face. 


To what propitious pow'r, O Muss, declare, 
They owe advantages so «ery rare ! 


Tu frighted Alps unlocked their barriers strong ; 
From Theodosius fled BARBARIAN throng ; 
Rome, anxious to reward the Probus-line, 
Implores the prince who rules by right divine. 


Now Fear and Terrovr to the chariot place 
The flying coursers, eager for the race ; 
And, fond of war, attend th’ imperial ranks, 
To Parthia’s empire, or Hydaspes’ banks. 
Tuis to the axle fixes on the wheel ; 
THAT sets the steeds beneath a yoke of steel ; 
And teaches them obedient to remain, 
When curbed and guided by the slender reir. 


85 


90 


95 


TrrumpHant Rome her conquered nations sways, -. 


And imitates Unwed-Minerva's ways ; 

No gaudy head-dreas decorates her hair, 

Nor showy necklace, softness to declare, 
Adorns the throat ;—a naked side’s disclosed, 
And outstretched snowy arms to view exposed ; 
Half bare the bosom ; while a gem is placed 
To keep the flowing robe around her waist. 


.100 


105 


10 


Album puniceo pectus discriminat ostro. 
Miscetur decori virtus, pulcerque severo 

Armatur terrore pudor, galeeeque minaci 

Tlava cruentarum pretenditur umbra jubarum, 
Et formidato clipeus Titana lacessit 

Lumine, quem tota variarat Mulciber arte. 

Hic, patrius Mavortis amor, foetusque notantur 
Romulei Pius amnisinest, & bellua nutrix. 
Electro "Tiberis, pueri formantur in auro. 

Fingunt era lupam. Mavors adamante coruscat. 
Jam simul emissis rapido velocior Euro 

Fertur equis. Stridunt Zephyri, cursuque rotarum 
Saucia dividuis clarescunt nubila sulcis : 

Nec traxere moras, sed lapsu protinus uno, 
Quem poscunt, tetigere locum ; qua fine sub imo 
Angustant aditum curvis anfractibus Alpes, 
Claustraque conjectis scopulis durissima tendunt, 
Non alia reseranda manu, sed pervia tantum 
Augusto, geminisque fidem mentita tyrannis. 
Semirute turres, avulsaque moenia fumant. 
Crescunt in cumulum strages, vallemq; profundam 
/Equavere jugis. Stagnant immersa cruore 


Corpora. Turbantur permisto funere manes. 


90 


95 


100 


105 


I10 


11 


The knot, that holds the sword, unites the white _ 
With tints carnation, glowing to the sight. 
Majestick worth, in union with each grace, 
Appears in ev'ry feature of her face ; 110 
A look severe upon the brow is seen, 

Which arms with dignity her modest mien ; 

The threat ning helmet's splendid crest is crowned, 

With bloody shade that, horrour, nods around; 

And from her shield, which rivals Sors bright beams, 115 
The skill of Vulcan, by reflection, gleams. | 
Here, under adamantine armour's glare, 

Are Mars’ sly love scenes with the lovely Farr; 

On gold young Romulus and Rhemus breathe : 

O'er silver*, Tiber’s waters glide beneath ; 120 
And there the wolf, as nurse, in brass appears : 

With milk the Roman twins she feeds and cheers. 


More swift than Eunvs now the horses glide: 
The ZEruyrs howl; the wheels the air divide, 
And, furrows, trace of light, as on they fly:— — 125 
To gain the place, they ev'ry effort try. 
The Alps they reach, where crooked, winding ways, 
Rough paths, rocks heaped on rocks, obstructions raise, 
Impervious, save to Theodosius’ name, 
And faithless when, of late, two tyrantst came. 130 
Here tott’ring tow’rs and smoking ramparts lie ; 
Within the vale dead bodies heaped on high ; 
There carcasses in seas of blood immersed : 
The Mawes stand confused ‘mid limbs dispersed. 

B 2 


* The Electrum was a mixture of gold witb a fifth part of silver. 
T Maximus and Eugenius. 


12 


Haud procul exacto letus certamine victor 
Cespite gramineo consederat, arbore fultus 
Acclines humeros. Dominum gavisa coronat 115 
Terra suum, surguntque toris majoribus herba. 
Sudor adhuc per membra calet, creberque recurrit 
Halitus, & placidi radiant in casside vultus. 
Qualis letifera populatus cede Gelonos 
Procubat horrendum Getico Gradivus in Heme. — 120 
Exuvias Bellona levat, Bellona tepentes 
Pulvere solvit equos, immensaque cornus in hastam 
Porrigitur, tremulisque ferit splendoribus Hebrum. 
Ut stetit ante ducem discusses Roma per auras, 
Conscia ter sonuit rupes, & inhorruit atrum 125 
Majestate nemus, Prior hic, O numen amicum, 
Dux ait, & legum genitrix, longeque regendo 
Circumfusa polo, consors adjuncta Tonanti, 
Dic agedum, que caussa vie? cur deseris arces 
Ausonias, ccelumque tuum ? Dic, maxima rerum. 130 
Non ego vel Libycos cessem tolerare vapores, 
Sarmaticosve pati medio sub frigore Coros, 
Si tu, Roma, velis, Pro te quascumque per oras 
Ibimus, & nulla sub tempestate timentes | 
Solstitio Meroen, bruma tentabimus Istrum. 135 


Tum regina refert; Non me latet, inclite rector, 
Quam tua pro Latio victricia castra laborent, 








13 


Harp by the field which he in triumph trod, 135 
'The conqu'ring hero rests upon the sod ; 
Beneath the tree that props his back, the earth, 
With joy, to plants thet crown the prince, gives birth. 
Though perspiration o'er his body stream ; 
Though short and thick his respiration seem : 140 
The look serene, that dwells upon his face, 
The helmet pierces with a smile of grace. 


Here Mars, from slaughter of the Getz, aims 
To spread, o'er Hemus' mount, his horrid flames ; 
BrrLowA trophies shows, and from the rein 145 
The hot and dusty coursers freedom gain ; 

On Hebrus' banks is fixed a lofty lance : 


Its trembling shadows, o'er the waters, dance. 


Tue clouds disperse, and Rome, at Casar’s* feet, 
Appears, with due respect, her prince to greet; ^ 150 
The rock thrice sounds; the wood's deep, gloomy leaf 
Spreads awe majestick ;—thus begins the Curr. 


* O FnrzNDLY Pow B, from whom proceedsour Cope, 
* Who, with great Jove, divid'st the stars abode: 
* Say, why thou leav'st Ausonia's tract serene, 155 
* And wander'st from that all-celestial scene ? 
* If such thy wish, I'll burning Libya bear, 
* Or blasts of cold that chill Sarmatia's air ; 
* For thee, through regions vast, I'll freely go : 
* The Danube ;—Meroé ;—or heat ;—or snow." 160 


" O Hero famed," the goddess straight replies, 
^^ The toils and triumphs of thy arms I prize ; 


* Theodosius the Great. 


14 


Nec quod servitium rursus, F uriseque rebelles 
Edomite paribus sub te cecidere triumphis. 
Sed precor hoc donum cum libertate recenti 
Adjicias, si vera manet reverentia nostri, 

Sunt mihi pubentes alto de semine fratres, 
Pignora cara Probi, festa quos luce creatos 
Ipsa meo fovi gremio. Cunabula parvis 

Ipsa dedi, cum matris onus Lucina bcatum 
Solverct, & magnos proferrent sidera partus. 
His ego nec Decios pulcros, fortesve Metellos 
Pretulerim: non qui Poenum domuere ferocem 
Scipiadas, Gallisque genus fatale Camillos. - 
Pieriis pollent studiis, multoque redundant 
Eloquio. Nec desidiis, dapibusve paratis 
Indulgere juvat: nec tanta licentia vite 
Abripit, aut mores setas lasciva relaxat : 

Sed gravibus curis animum sortita senilem 
Ignea longsevo fraenatur corde juventus. 

Illis, quam propriam ducunt ab origine, sortem 
Oramus prebere velis, annique futurum 


Devoveas venientis iter. Nonimproba posco. 


Non insueta dabis. Domus hoc de more requirit. 


Annue. Sic nobis Scythicus famuletur Araxes, 


Sic Rhenus per utrumque latus: Medisque subactis 


140 


145 


150 


155 . 


160 


15 


* Support of Latium :—equally I know, 

* That slaves and REBEL-Funrrs felt thy blow. 

** But if to thy regard some claim I've got: 165 
** Though liberty thou gav'st, a boon allot ; 

* Our roof two charming infant brothers grace, 

* Dear pledge of Probus :—sprung from noble race. 

* These in my bosom, on their natal day, 

** I fondly cherished ;—dressed their cradle gay, 170 
* When to the mother's aid Lucina came, 

* And joy their birth spread through the Starry FRAME. 
* Not valiant Decius, nor Metellus brave: : 

* Nor those two Scipios, who to Carthage gave 

* The fatal stroke; nor e'en Camillus, famed 175 
* For scourging Gaul, could more than these have claimed. 
* In verse or eloquence their pow'rs are great : 

* No charms they view in feasts or gaudy state ; 

' Aud, though in prime of youth, voluptuous ways 

* Resistance meet that fortitude displays. | 180 
* Their minds, maturity, already show, 

" And steady prudence checks the fires that glow. 

* For these iliustrious sons I now implore. 

“ A dignity, their noble fathers bore :— 

* Beneath their auspice, let the coming year— 185 
* Propitiously commence its grand careerz- 

* Nought indiscreet : ask; and nothing new 

* Will be the favour, when conferred by you. 

* The House, from usage long, the boon intreats ;— 

* Comply :—that where Araxes, Scythia, greets, 190 
** For us its bold and rapid stream may flow : 

* The Rhine, on ev'ry side, obedience show : 

** The conquered Medes, Semiramis's tow rs, 

* Rome's ensigns, dread, and tremble at her pow’rs ; 


16 


Nostra Semiramie timeaut insignia turres ; 
Sic fluat attonitus Romana per oppida Ganges. 


Ductor ad hec: Optata jubes, ultroque volentem, 


Diva, rogas: non heec precibus tentanda fuisset. 
Usqueadeone meam condunt oblivia mentem, 
Ut pigeat meminisse Probi, quo vindice totam 
Vidimus Hesperiam fessasque resurgere gentes ? 
Ante dabunt hiemes Nilum ; per flumina dame 
Errabunt, glacieque niger damnabitur Indus ; 
Ante Thyesteis iterum conterrita mensis 
Intercisa dies refugos vertetur in ortus, 

Quam Probus a nostro possit discedere sensu. 
Dixerat, & velox jam nuntius advolat urbem. 
Extemplo strepuere chori, collesque canoris 
Plausibus impulsi septena voce resultant. 
Letatur veneranda parens, & pollice docto 
Jam parat auratas trabeas, cinctusque micantes 
Stamine : quod molli tondent de stipite Seres, 
Frondea lanigere carpentes vellera silve : 

Et longum tenues tractus producit in aurum, 
Filaque concreto cogit squalere metallo. 

Qualis purpureas preebebat candida vestes 
Numinibus Latona suis, cum sacra redirent 


165 


170 


175 


180 


17 


* And frightened Ganges water, in his course, 


195 . 


‘¢ Towns doomed to bend beneath the Latian force." 


* O Gonpzss !" cries the hero, * my desire, 


> * With zeal, anticipates what you require : 

* For this no supplications need be made :— 

* Shall Probus' virtues from remembrance fade? 
" Whom we have seen avenge Hesperia's cause, 
* And, humbled nations, free from tyrant-laws. 
* The Nile, shall WiNTER sooner turn aside ; 
“ The deer at random range o'er rivers wide ; 

“ The ice enchain the gloomy Indus’ course ; 

* The Sun tecede and seek its Eastern source, 
“ At sight of rites Thyestes’ feasts supply, 

** Than Probus’ glory from our senses fly.” 


His words with swiftness through the city spread ; 


The choirs of nymphs reecho what is said ; 
The festive acclamations ring around, 
And Rome’s sev’n hills reverberate the sound. 


Wits joy the mother, venerable grown, 
Prepares HERSELF the robes that consuls own, 
And brilliant dresses, formed of downy thread, 
From leafy branches by the Seres shred, 
Which, finely drawn, in filaments, is rolled, 
And nicely covered o'et with ductile gold. 


"Twas thus Latona, for her offspring blessed, 
With hands divine prepared the purple vest, 
C 


200 


205 


210 


213 


220 


18 


Ad loca nutricis jam non errantia Deli. 185 
Illa feros saltus & desolata relinquens 

Meenala, lassato certis venatibus arcu, 

Phoebus adhuc nigris rorantia tela venenis 

Extincto Pythone ferens. "Tunc insula notos 

Lambit amica pedes, ridetque JEgeeus alumnis 190 
Lenior, & blando testatur gaudia fluctu. 

Sic Proba precipuo natos exornat amictu ; 

Qus decorat mundum: cujus Romana potestas 

Foetibus augetur. Credas ex there lapsam 

Stare pudicitiam, vel sacro thure vocatam 195 
Junonem Inachiis oculos advertere templis. 

"Talem nulla refert antiquis pagina libris, 

Nec Latiz cecinere tube, nec Greca vetustas : 

Conjuge digna Probo: nam tantum coetibus exstat. 
Femineis, quantum supereminet ille maritos : 200 
Ceu sibi certantes sexus quid possit uterque 

Hunc legere torum. Taceat Nereida nuptam 

Pelion, duplici feecundam Consule matrem, 

Felicemque uterum, qui nomina parturit annis. 

Ut sceptrum gessere manu, membrisque rigentes 205 


Aptavere togas, signum dat summus hiulca 








19 


When Delos*, lately moving from her place, 
Recalled them to her nourishing embrace. 
Diana, far from Menalus’ high hill 

And savage thickets, leaves her bow of skill ; 
Bright Phoebus, Python's vanquisher renowned, 
The darts still bears with poison reeking found ; 
_ The friendly isle, their feet with kisses meets : 
JEgeus, calmed, with gentle billows greets. 


223 


Tnvs she, to whose pure worth the world assents ; 


Whose fruitfulness, thé Roman pow'r, augments : 
The virtuous Proba, for her sons prepares 

The splendid ornaments each consul wears. 
Descended from on high, we might suppose 
Sweet Mopesty ;—or Juno when she throws 
Her eyes on fumes that, soaring to the skies, . 
From incense burnt on Argos’ altars, rise. 

A mother such no ancient page displays ; 


Nor Muse of Greece nor Latium found to praise. 


While Probus is the husbands’ pattern shown, 
His partner, for a rule, the wives should own. 
The rival sexes anxiously have pressed, 

By such an union, to produce the BEsT. 

No more let Pelion sound the blissful state 

Of Nereus’ daughter, when a wedded mate ; 

O happy mother! that at once can claim 

Two sons who, consuls, give the year their name. 


Now in their hands the iv'ry sceptres play : 
Their limbs bedecked with dresses rich and gay ; 
C 3 


930 


235 


Q4) 


* Dzros was once a floating island, and therefore called erratica 


Delos.—See Ov. Metam. VI. 334. 


20 


Nube pater, gratamque facem per inane rotantes 
Prospera vibrati tonuerunt omina nimbi. 
Accepit sonitus curvis Tiberinus in antris, 

Ima valle sedens, arrectisque auribus hesit, 
Unde repentinus cceli fragor. licet herbis 
Pallentes thalamos, & structa cubilia musco 
Deserit, ac Nymphis urnam commendat herilem. 
Illi glauca nitent hirsuto lumina vultu, 

- Ceruleis infecta notis, reddentia pafrem 
Oceanum : crispo densatur gramine colla. 
Vertice luxuriat toto crinalis arundo : 


Quam neque fas Zephyris frangi, nec sole perustam 


ZEstivo candore mori: sed vivida frondet 
fEquevum complexa caput, Taurina levantur 
Cornua temporibus raucos sudantia rivos. 


Distillant per pectus aquse. — Frons hispida manat 


Imbribus. In liquidos fontes se barba repectit. 
Palla graves humeros velat, quam neverat uxor 
Ilia, percurrens vitreas sub gurgite telas. 


Est in Romuleo procumbens insula Tibri, 
Qua medius geminas interfluit alveus urbes 
Discretas subeunte freto, pariterque minantes 
Ardua turrigerm surgunt in culmina ripe. 

Hic stetit, & subitum prospexit ab aggere votum 
Unanimes fratres, juncto stipante Senatu 

Ire forum, strictasque procul radiare secures, 
Atque uno bijuges tolli de limine fasces. 
Obstupuit visu, suspensaque gaudia vocem 
Oppressam tenuere diu ; mox inchoat ore, 


210 


215 


220 


230 





gb 


_ When suddenly the Heav'ns begin to shake ; ! 
From opening clouds the vivid flashes break ; 250 
Great Jove's loud thunders through the welkin roll, 


And approbation spread from pole to pole. 


Tue Tiber, in his winding vale profound, 
Astonished hears in air the crackling sound. 
In haste his bed. of herbs and moss be quita, 254 
And to the nymphs tbeir master's urn commits. 
The hard rough features aud the opticks gray, 
With streaks of green, eld OckAw's son betray ; 
Around his neck thick grass; and on his head, 
Inetead of hair, reeds elegantly spread, 869 
Which brave the WEsTERN winds and scorching sun, 
And seem the same, whatever years have run, 
The lofty horns upon his temples placed, 
Pour streams thet trickle down frm chin to waist, 
A mantle o'er his shoulders huge is thrown, 265 
Of glossy threads, which Ilia's labours own. 


Aurp the Tiber's course an island stands : 
Rome, like two cities, lies upon the strands, 
With lofty tow'rs and battlements around, | 
That equally o'erspread the rising ground. |. $yà 
There, from a hill, as down he casts his eyes, (07 
The god two brothers suddenly descries, 
Encircled by the senators sedate, 
Who, t'wards the Forum, move in solemn state ; 
The Axes, in advance, emitting light : 975 
The Fasces, at the entrance, stand in sight. 
Surprise and pleasure long his voice repress : 
At length he silence breaks with this address. 


ag 


Respice, si tales jactas aluisse fluentis, 
Eurota Spartane, tuis, Quid protulit equum 
Falsus olor, valido quamvis decernere czestu 
Norint, & ratibus sevas arcere procellas? 

En nova Ledzis soboles fulgentior astris. 
Ecce mei cives: quorum jam Signifer optat 
Adventum, stellisque parat convexa futuris. 


Jam per noctivagos dominetur Olybrius axes 


Pro Pulluce rubens, pro Castore flamma Probini. 


Ipsi vela regent. Ipsis donantibus auras 
Navita tranquillo moderabitur equore pinum. 


Wunc pateras libare Deis, nunc solvere multo 


Nectare corda libet. Niveos jam pandite ccetus,. 


Naides, & totum violis pretexite fontem. 
Mella ferant silve. Jam profluat ebrius amnis 
Mutatis in vina vadis. Jam sponte per agros 
. Sudent irrigue spirantia balsama vene. 
Currat, qui socie roget in convivia mense 


Indigenas fluvios, Italis quicumque suberrant 


Montibus, Alpinasque bibunt de more pruinas : 


Vulturnusque rapax, & Nar vitiatus odoro 


240 


245- 


250 


23 


* Have eer, Eurotas, noble Sparta’s pride, 
“* Such brilliant nurselings shone upon thy side? — 280 
** The offspring of the god,—like swan concealed, 
* Avaunt !—though these the cestus* ably wield, 
** Or, when fierce tempests agitate the deep, 
* Direct the ships from danger how to keep. 
* Let my young fav'rites meet thy eager sight: 285 
“¢ Behold two youths, —than Leda's stars more bright ; 
‘ For them already has the god of day 
* Prepared a place within the spangled way. 
** Olybrius, amid the vaulted sky, 
* Atnight, will Pollux' splendid rays supply ; 290 
* While in Probinus' hand shall Castor's flame 
* Tlluminate the great etherial frame. 
** "The sails, at their command, with wind, will fill; 
** Through seas becalmed the pilot steer at will. 
* Now, now's the time to taste the flowing bowl, 295 
* [n honour of the pow'rs who Arr control ; 
* And, in the gen'rous juice that cheers the heart, 
* Drown cank’ring care and soul-corroding smart. 
* © Naiades !—your happy choirs display, - 
* And sweetest villets o'er my fountain lay ; 300 
* Let honey-dews distil upon the trees : 
* Replace with Nectar pure the rolling seas; 
* While freely all the rivulets exhale 
** "The choicest perfumes to the passing gale. 
* In haste—to feasts and banquets of delight, : 805 
** The stréams, that glide through Latium's hills, invite, 
** Which, in the season, suck the Alpine snows :— 
** The fierce Vulturus, and the Nar that flows, - 


* A kind of club, or rather thong of leather, having plummets of 
lead fastened to it, used in boxing or wrestling. , 


44 


Sulfure, tardatusque suis értoribus Ufens : 

Et Phaéthonteee perpessus damna ruine 
Eridanus, flaveeque tefens quetceta Maricoj 
Liris, & CEbalis qui teiiperat urva Galesus. 
Semper honoratus nostris celebrabitur undis 
Iste dies : setaper dapibus teceletur epimis. 
Sic ait, & Nymph patris precepta secttté 
Tecta parant peplis: ostroque infecta corusco 
Humida gemmiferis illuxit regia mensis. 


O bene signatum fraterno nomine tempus ! 
O consahguineis felix auctoribus anne! 
Incipe quadrifidum Phoebi torquere laborem. 
Prima tibi procedat hiems, non frigore torpens, 
Non cenas vestita nives, non aspera ventis, 
Sed tepido calefacta Noto. Ver inde serenum 
Protinus, & liquidi clementior aura Favoni 
Pratis te croceis pihgat. Te tnessibus estas 
| Induat, autumnusque madentibus ambiat uvis. 


Omni nobilior lustro, tibi gloria soli 


Contigit, exactum numquam memorata per evum, 


Germanos habuisse duces : te cuncta loquetur 
Tellus, te variis scribent in floribus Hore, 


Longaque perpetui ducent in secula fasti. 


269 


265 


270 


$275 


. 95 


* With sulph'rous vapours springing from the source ; 

* The tardy Ufens, winding in its course ; 310 
* 'The Po, to Phaeton a fatal stroke ; 

* The Liris clouded by Marica's oak; * 

* And smooth Galesus, that rich harvests yields, 

* Diffusing plenty through CEbalia's fields. 

* Each year, in my aquatick cell, this day 315 
** Shall all that's mirth and jollity display.” 


He spoke: the Nympus, attentive to his voice, 
Their parent's palace, dress with sails of choice ; 
The humid mansion shines with purple dye, 
And precious jewels on the tables lie. | 320 


O Happy. epocha! auspicious year; 
With name fraternal! mark of kindred dear, 
Begin the four-cleft labours of the Sun: 
May WiNTER, foremost where the coursers run, 
Produce,—not numbing cold nor flaky snows, $25 
Nor piercing wind that freezes while ‘it blows, 
But bring the moist and gentle SourTHERN Breeze, 
That warms the air and cheers the nodding trees.— 
The charming SPaiNc's return let ZEPHYRS greet ; 
The meadows, gild with flow'rets gay and sweet:— 330 
The Summer spread rich harvests o'er the ground ;— - 
And Autumn, purple gtapes, intwine around. 
The ages past no rival bring to view : 
Blessed year ! to thee alone the glory's due,— 
Of like descent, two leaders to behold ; 335 
Through Eartu thy favoured fortune shall be told : 
On various flow'rs the Hor write thy name, - 
And Tzu inscribe it in the page of fame. 

D 


CL. CLAUDIANI 
IN RUFINUM. 
LIBER I. 
PREFATIO. 


P HCEBEO domitus Python cum decidit arcu, 


Membraque Cirrheo fudit anhela jugo : 
Qui spiris tegeret montes, hauriret hiatu 
Flumina, sanguineis tangeret astra jubis : 
Jam liber Parnassus erat, nexuque soluto 
Coeperat erecta surgere fronde nemus. 
Concussseque diu spatiosis tractibus orni 
Securas ventis explicuere comas. 
Et qui vipereo spumavit seepe veneno 
Cephissos liquidis purior ibat aquis. 
Omnis, Io Pan, regio sonat: omnia Phobum 
Rura canunt. "Tripodas plenior aura rotat. 
Auditoque procul Musarum carmine ducti, 
Ad Themidis cocunt antra severa Dei. 


10 








INVECTIVES 
AGAINST RUFINUS. 
BOOK I. 
PREFACE. 


Wu EN, by Apollo’s bow, the Python died, 
Which, in deep folds, could lofty mountains hide, 
Streams swallow at a gasp, whate’er their size, 
And strike his bloody crest against the skies, 
His palpitating limbs the hill o’erspread 5 
That shelters Cirtha with its biforked head. 
At length Parnassus from the monster free, 
And disentangled ev'ry branching tree, 
Fresh buds appeared : the Ash which, in the plain, 
Winds often shook, its leaves displayed again ; 10 
Cephissus’ waters, that with venom foamed, 
Now pure and limpid, t'wards the ocean roamed. 
Loud acclamations rang the region round, 
And Pheebus’ praise reechoed in the sound. 
The winds, no more obstructed in their course, 15 
Again the Tripods rock with gentle force. 
Hark! hark !—the Muses have resumed their song: - 
The gods, in Themis’ grot, to hear them, throng. 

D 2 


28 


Nunc alio Domini telis Pythone peremto 15 
Convenit ad nostram sacra caterva lyram. 

Qui stabilem servant Augustis fratribus orbem, 
Justitia pacem, viribus arma tegunt. 





29 


Ax» now I sing another Python slain, 
By one designed our glory to maintain. 
Those who, for Czsan’s heirs, preserve the state, 
With fond attention hear what I relate :— 
Who find in justice and the force of arms, 


The pledge of peace and potent shield from harms. 


20 


- 


SUEPE tnihi dubiam traxit sententia mentem, 
Curarent Superi terras, an nullus inesset 
Rector, & incerto fluerent mortalia casu. 

Nam cum dispositi quesissem foedera mundi, 
Preescriptosque mari fines, annisque meatus, 
Et lucis noctisque vices : tunc omnia rebar 
Consilio firmata Dei, qui lege moveri 

Sidera, qui fruges diverso tempore nasci, 

Qui variam Phoeben alieno j usserit igui 
Compleri, Solemque suo: porrexerit undis 
Litora: tellurem medio libraverit axe. 

Sed cum res hominum tanta caligine volvi 
Adspicerem, lsetosque diu florere nocentes, 
Vexarique pios: rursus labefacta cadebat 
Relligio, causseeque viam non sponte sequebar. 
Alterius, vacuo que currere semina motu 
Affirmat, magnumque novas per inane figuras 
Fortuna, non arte, regi: que Numina sensu 
Ambiguo vel nulla putat, vel nescia nostri. 


Abstulit hunc tandem Rufini poena tumultum, 


Absolvitque Deos. Jam non ad culmina rerum 


10 


15 





BOOK I. 


TWO adverse sentiments, with doubts combined, 


Have oft divided my unsettled mind :— 

If o'er this orb the Pow'ns Azpove have sway, 
Or Man be blindly left to grope his way ? 

For when the mundane harmony I knew ;— 
The ocean limited :—the seasons true ;— 

The regular return of day and night : 

I cried—a Gop directs with prescient light. 
The stars his laws observe ;—the fruits appear, 
In turn, at diff'rent periods of the year; - 
Inconstant Phoebe freely borrows rays ; 

And Sox, his own resplendent beams, displays ; 
The wavy waters are by shores controlled ; 
And, balanced on its axis, EARTH is rolled. 
But when the lot of human kind I found 
Involved in mazy darkness, spread around ; 
Caime revelling in joy and plenteous store, 
While suff’ring Virtue dire distresses bore: 
Religion, weakened, lost again her sway, 

And, with regret, I turned another way. 

All NaATURE's elements, in empty space, 

At random move and various figures trace ; 


No Heav'nly pow’r, but CHANCE appears to guide; 


No gods :—or mortals’ actions they deride. 


Rurinus dead !—my mind's at length relieved 
Absolved the deities by what's achieved ; 


10 


13 


25 


32 


Injustos crevisse queror. Tolluntur in altum, 
Ut lapsu graviore ruant. Vos pandite vati 
Pierides, quo tanta lies eruperit ortu. 

Invidie quondam stimulis incanduit atrox 
Alecto, placidas late cum cerneret urbes. 

' Protinus infernas ad limina tetra sorores 


Consilium deforme vocat. Glomerantur in unum 


Innumere pestes Erebi, quascumque sinistro 
Nox genuit foetu: nutrix Discordia belli, 
Imperiosa Fames, leto vicina Senectus, 
Impatiensque sui Morbus, Livorque secundis . 
Anxius, & scisso mcerens velamine Luctus, 

Et Timor, & ce&co preceps Audacia vultu, 

Et Luxus populator opum, quem semper adherens 
Infelix humili gressu comitatur Egestas, 
Foedaque Avaritie complexe pectora matris 
Insomnes longo veniunt examine Cure. 
Complentur vario ferrata sedilia coetu, 

Torvaque collectis stipatur Curia monstris. 
Alecto stetit in mediis.  Vulgusque tacere 
Jussit, & obstantes in tergum reppulit hydros, 
Perque humeros errare dedit: tum corde sub imo 


Inclusam rabidis patefecit vocibus iram. 


23 


35 


40 


33 


No wretch, to honours raised, shall me appal : 
The higher carried, greater is the fall. 


Harmonious NINE to me the sources name, 
From whence this execrable monster came. . 30 


WHEN tranquil peace the empire lately blessed, 
. Infuriate envy filled Alecto's breast ; 

In haste she called her hideous sisters round, 

To form a council in the gloom profound : 
Infernal, num'rous pests, detesting light, 35 
Begot by Erebus and odious Nieur. 

Dire Discorp, nurse of war, and FAMINE t00; 

Orp AcE with ghastly Dear upheld to view ; 
DIsEAsE impatient, seeking to destroy ; 

And Ma icr, pining at another's joy ; 40 
Dx» Sorrow, covered with a tattered veil, 

In sable robe distresses to bewail ; 

Mistrust; and IMPUDENCE with brazen face; 

And Luxury where, ruin, émpires trace ; 

And Poverty, that trembles with alarms, 45 
While in the mother, AvARICE's arms, 

(Loathed, filthy monster !) nestle swarms of CARES, 
Whose watchful eyes ne’er feel what SLEEP prepares. 


THE iron benches of the dreary place 
Were crowded soon by this infernal race ; 50 
Alecto stood amid the ghastly group, 
And silence ordered to the noisy troop. 
The snakes that twined about her brow and hair, 
She o’er her shoulders threw with careless air, 
And let them range at will, while she expressed 55 
The frantick rage that burned within her breast. 
E | 


34 


. Siccine tranquillo produci secula cursu, 
Sic fortunatas patiemur vivere gentes ? 
Quo nova corrumpit nostros clementia mores ? 
Quo rabies innata perit? Quid inania prosunt 
Verbera? Quid facibus nequicquam cingimur atris ? 
Heu nimis ignavi, quas celo Jupiter arcet, 
Theodosius terris. En aurea nascitur setas. 
En proles antiqua redit. Concordia, Virtus, 
Cumque Fide Pietas alta cervice vagantur, 
Insignemque canunt nostra de plebe triumphum, 
Pro dolor, ipsa mihi liquidas delapsa per auras 
Justitia insultat, vitiisque à stirpe recisis 
Elicit oppressas tenebroso carcere leges. 
At nos indecores longo torpebimus svo, 
Omnibus eject regnis? agnoscite tandem 
Quid furias deceat, consuetas sumite vires ; 
Conventuque nefas tanto decernite dignum. 
Jam cupio Stygiis invadere nubibus astra, 
Jam flatu violare diem, laxare profundo 


Frena mari, ruptis fluvios immittere ripis, 


45 


50 


55 


60 


— —— — - —--— — 


35 


* SHALL quietly the AcEs thus be rolled, 
* And we mankind a happy race behold? 
* What clemency unknown pervades our mind? 
* Have we our native cruelty resigned ? 60 
* For what these whips ?—these burning torches round ? 
^ Alas! here's nought but sloth at present found. 
* Against us Jupiter has shut the skies, 
* And Theodosius what beneath them lies. 
* Another golden age appears in view : 65 
* Behold the ancient race returns anew ; 
* And Concorp, ViRTUE, Piety revered, 
* With Pusiick FarrH again their heads have reared ; 
* The universe they overrun at will, 
* And sing their triumphs o'er our forces' skill. 70 
“ O grief !—e'en fallen Justice braves my sight ; 
* Through liquid air she boldly takes her flight : 
“ Extirpates Crimes, and from dark prisons draws 
* Those long oppressed, incarcerated Laws, 
“ Shall we, of ev'ry safe retreat bereft, 75 
“ In torpid rest eternally be left ? 
" Not so :—let us resume the Furies’ ways: 
* Against mankind our usual weapons raise, 
“ And plans devise of villany with speed, 
“ That, worthy of ourselves, we may proceed, 80 
“ Tlong already round the stars to fix 
“ A cloud of noisome vapours from the Styx ; 
“ With sulph'rous breath defile the beams of day; 
“ The depth profound of OcEan open lay; 
** The bursting rivers from their banks relieve, 85 


“ And desolation thoroughly achieve.” 
E 2 


36 


Et rerum vexare fidem. Sic fata cruentum 
Mugiit, & tortos serpentum erexit hiatus, 
Noxiaque effudit concusso crine venena. 
Anceps motus erat, vulgi pars maxima bellum 
Indicit Superis: pars Ditis jura tuentur. 
Dissensuque alitur rumor. Ceu murmurat alti 


Impacata quies pelagi, cum flamine fracto 


Durat adhuc sevitque tumor, dubiumque per estum 


Lassa recedentis fluitant vestigia venti. 


Improba mox surgit tristi de sede Megera, 
Quam penes insani fremitus, animique profanus 
Error, & undantes spumis furialibus irs. 

Non nisi quéesitum cognata cede cruorem, 
Illicitumve bibit, patrius quem fuderit ensis, 

Quem dederint fratres. Hsc terruit Herculis ora, 
Et defensores terrarum polluit arcus : | 
Hzc Athamanthee direxit spicula dextre : 

Heec Agamemnonios inter bacchata penates 
Alternis lusit jugulis : hac auspice tede 

(Edipoden matri, nate junxere Thyesten. * 


Que tunc horrisonis effatur talia dictis. 


65 


70 


75 


80 


85 


37 


Tuts said, her bloody mouth gave dreadful crios ; 
The twining snakes made gasps of hugest size; 
And oft with fury as she shook her head, 
A horrid poison from her hair was shed. 90 


Two di fr rent sentiments among them reigned ; 
Some wished that war 'gainst Heav'n should be maintained; ; 
While others felt respect for Pluto's laws : 
Tumultuous clamour fed DissENSION’s cause, ) 
Thus, after storms, the waving billows keep 95 
A hollow roaring o'er the watry Der»; | 
In broken blasts the raging winds subside, 
And feebly furrow Oczaw as they glide. 


STRAIGHT, from her iron seat, Megeera rose, 
From whom each heart-tormenting poison flows, — 100 
Whose pow'r can plunge the mind in angnish dire, 
And frantick, foaming rage, at will, require. 
If, by a father’s hand, a son be slain, 
Or death, from brother’s sword, a brother gam, 
Such kindred slaugliter gratifies her spite, 105 
And fills her hideous bosom with delight. 
"Twas she who made e’en Hercules turn pale, 
And, with his bow, the human race assail ; 
"Twas she directed Athamas's darts : | 
Her barb'rous freaks and sanguinary arts, — 110 
Through Agamemnon’s palace mis'ry spread, 
| And, with a double crime, her malice fed ; 
| "Twas she who, seeking anxiously for strife, 
| To CEdipus his mother gave for wife : 
A daughter to Thyestes’s embrace : 115 
Thus spoke Megera with infuriate face. 


38 


Signa quidem, 6 soci, Divos attollere contra: : 
Nec fas est, nec posse reor: sed ledere mundum 
Si libet, & populis commune intendere letum, 
Est mihi prodigium cunctis immanius hydris, 
Tigride mobilius fceta, violentius Austris | gO 
Acribus, Euripi refluis incertius undis, | 
Rufinus, Quem prima meo de matre cadentem 
Suscepi gremio. Reptavit parvus in isto 
Sepe sinu, teneroque per ardua colla volutus 
Ubera queesivit fletu, linguisque trisulcis 95 
Mollia lambentes finxerunt ora ceraste. 
Meque etiam tradente dolos, artemque nocendi 
Et didicit simulare fidem, sensusque minaces 
Protegere, & blando fraudem pretexere risu, 
Plenus szvitie, lucrique cupidine fervens. | 100 
Non Tartessiacis illüm satiarit arenis 
Tempestas pretiosa Tagi, non stagna rubentis 
Aurea Pactoli: totumque exhauserit Hermum, 
Ardebit majore siti. Quam fallere mentes 
Doctus, & unanimos odiis turbare sodales ! 105 





39 


*< O Sisters! 'gainsf the gods our arms to use, 
* Both pow'r and duty equally refuse ; 
“ But if you fondly wish to lead mankind 
“ Where nought but wretchedness and death they'll find, 120 
* A horrid monster will assistance lend : 
“ The Hydra’s cruelty to his would bend ; 
* Not to the tigress, feeling for her young, 
* Does more conspicuous wariness belong; 
* Less boist'rous prove the piercing SourHERN GALES; 
125 
* Euripus less perfidious when he fails (7 
* With regularity to ebb and flow :— 
* Such is the monster !—such Rufinus know. 
* The mother's arms resigned the child to mine; 
* Oft round this neck his infant limbs he'd twine: 130 
* With tender tears the sweet lactation seek, 
* While my horned serpents tried to make him sleek : 
“ With three-forked tongues they used their utmost skill, 
“ And softly licked and fashioned him at will. 
“ Myself instructed him in ev'ry art, 135 
* How best to dupe, or poignant pain impart ; 
* His crimes conceal ; his sentiments disguise ; 
* And, smiles displaying, vilest plots devise. - 
* The love of gain and cruelty unite 
'** To fill his breast with vehement delight. 140 
* Not Tagus' precious wave ;— Tartessus' sands ;— 
** Nor golden bed, Pactolus’ stream commands, 
' * His breast could satiate :—e'en the Hermus' ore, 
* Were that exhausted, still he'd thirst for more. | 
* His cunning can the mind deceive at will, 145 
* And bosom-friends with mutual hatred fill. 


40 - 
Talem progenies hominum si prisca tulisset ; 
Pirithoum fugeret Theseus ; offensus Orestem 
Desereret Pylades; odisset Castora Pollux. 
Ipsa quidem fateor vinci rabidoque magistram 
Prevenit ingenio : nec plus sermone morabor. 110 
Solus habet quidquid scelerum possedimus omnes. 
Hunc ego, si vestre res est accommoda turbe, 
Regalem ad summi producam principis aulam. 
Sit licet ille Numa gravior, sit denique Minos ; 
Cedet, & insidiis nostri flectetur alumni. | 15 


Orantem sequitur clamor, cuncteeque profanas 
Porrexere manus, inventaque tristia laudant. « 
Hla, ubi ceruleo vestes connexuit angue, 
Nodavitque adamante comas, Phlegethonta sonorum 
Poscit, & ambusto flagrantis ab aggere ripe 120 
Ingentem piceo succendit gurgite pinum, 
. Pigraque veloces per Tartara concutit alas. 


Est locus, extremum qua pandit Gallia litus, 
Oceani prestentus aquis, ubi fertur Ulysses 
Sanguiné libato populum movisse silentem. 125 
Illic umbrarum tenui stridore volantum 


Flebilis auditur questus. Simulacra coloni 


41 


** Of old, had such another shown his head, 
* *T'would Theseus from Pirithoüs have led : 
* From his Orestes, Pylades estranged ; 
* And Pollux' love for Castor wholly changed. 150 
* € That I'm outdone, indeed, I will allow ; 
* His wickedness requires no lessons now ; 
* Nor shall I longer on the subject dwell : 
* [n all our Hellish ways he can excel. 
** If he, your views, is likely to support, 155 
** T’ll guide him to the greatest sov'reign's court, 
* A prince considered—more than Numa sage :—- 
* Another Minos, possibly, with age. 
‘* Our pupil's snares so artfully he'll lay, 
“ That Theodosius will at length give way.” 160 
Loup acclamations followed what she said ; 
Their impious hands they t’wards her fondly spread ; 
Her fertile schemes and unrelenting ways 
Received from all the most unbounded praise. 
Now in a serpent's folds her dress she twined; — 165 
A clasp of adamant her hair confined, 
Obtained from Phlegethon’s harsh-sounding stream; 
When, standing on the banks, ’mid sulph’rous steam, 
She thrust a lofty pine, to take the fire, 
Within the liquid flamz of vengeance dire ; 170 
Then, with the brand, she took her rapid flight 
O’er Tartarus, eternal realms of night ! 
. Wuere Gaul’s extensive coasts the oCEAN bound, 
There lies a place in which Ulysses found, 
A bloody sacrifice disturbed the shades, 175 
Whom gloomy silence constantly pervades. 
Still doleful moans from flitting spectres rise ; 
The natives phantoms see and hear their cries. 


F 





42 


Pallida defunctasque vident migrare figuras. 

Hinc Dea prosiliit, Phoebique egressa serenos . 

‘Infecit radios, ululatuque sthera rupit 130 
Ternfico. Sensit ferale Britannia murmur, 

Et Senonum quatit arva fragor, revolutaque Tethys 
Substitit, & Rhenus projecta torpuit urna. 

"Tunc in canitiem mutatis sponte colubris 

Longevum mentita senem, rugisque severas .135 
Persulcata genas, & ficto languida passu, 

Invadit muros Eluss, notissima dudum 

"Tecta petens, oculisque diu liventibus hesit, 


Pejorém mirata virum. — Tunc talia fatur. 


Otia te, Rufine, juvant? frustraque juvente 140 
Consumis florem patriis inglorius arvis ? 
Heu nescis quid fata tibi, quid sidera donent, - 
Quid fortuna paret. Toti dominabere mundo, 
‘Si parere velis, Artus ne sperne seniles. 


Namque mjhi magice vires, evique futuri 145 





43 


Mec-ra thither winged her airy way; — — 
The fury’s presence dimmed e’en Phoebus’ ray ; 180° 
And, as through ether’s space she soared on high, 
Her hideous howlings rent the vaulted sky. 
The piercing, dismal screams reached Britain’s shore : 
Earth shook the Sinonés amid the roar ; 
The sea, repelled, stood still, devoid of force: 185 
The Rhine, benumbed, no longer kept his course. 


To look like age, herself she now arranged ; 
The twining snakes to hoary tresses changed ; 
Deep marks of lengthened years o’erspread her face, 
And wrinkled furrows quickly found a place. 190 
With languid steps she reached Elusa’s* gate, 
And to Rufinus’ mansion hastened straight, 
A roof well known, where.fixed she stood awhile, 
With piercing, livid eyes, and ghastly smile, 
In admiration of the vilest man : 195 
At length to greet the wretch she thus began. 


“ Wuat I— mid paternal fields, Rufinus, waste 
* Thy youthful bloom, and glory never taste? 
* Thou know’st not surely what's for thee designed, 
* By Fare, or bounteous HEav’N, or Fortune kind. 200 
* If thou'lt but listen and my will obey, 
** Thou shalt the universe at pleasure sway. 
* Respect this face, which aged looks conceal : 
‘* I magick force can easily reveal ; 
' [n me resides the pow rful, sov reign art, 205 
“ That can futurity's decrees impart. 


F 2 


* A town of Gascony, in France, where Rufinus was born. 


44 


Preescius ardor inest. Novi quo Thessala cantu 
Eripiat lunare jubar, quid signa sagacis 

JEgypti valeant, qua gens Chaldea vocatis 
Imperet arte Deis. Nec me latuere fluentes 
Arboribus succi, funestarumque potestas 
Herbarum, quidquid letali gramine pollens 
Caucasus, & Scythice vernant in carmina rupes, 
Quas legit Medea ferox, & callida Circe. 
Sepius horrendos Manes sacrisque citavi 
Nocturnis Hecaten, & condita funera traxi 
Carminibus victura meis, multosque canendo, 
Quamvis Parcarum restarent fila, peremi. 

Ire vagas quercus, & fulmen stare coégi, 
Versaque non prono curvavi flumina lapsu 

In fontes reditura suos. Neu vana locutum 
Me fortasse putes, mutatos cerne Penates. 
Dixerat: & nives: (mirum) capere columns 
Ditari, subitoque trabes lucere metallo. 
Illecebris capitur, nimiumque elatus avaro 
Pascitur intuitu, Sic Rex ad prima tumebat 
Meonius, pulcro cum verteret omnia tactu. 

Sed postquam riguisse dapes, fulvamque revinctos, 
In glaciem vidit latices; tum munus acerbum 


Sensit, & inviso votum damnavit in auro. 


150 


155 


160 


164 


45 


* T koow the spell by which th’ enchantress gains 

* "The lunar ray, that all her fame maintains ; 

* What mean those figures of th' Egyptians sage ; 

* And by what skill Chaldeans Heav'nengage; 216 
* The juices drawn from trees; the pois'nous flow’r; 

* The herbs of Caucasus with deadly pow'r; 

“ The charms that from the Scythian rocks arise : 

^ ‘Whate’er Medea gleans, or Circé tries. 

* Oft when at night I've sacrifices made, 215 
* Around I've brought the horrid Manes’ shade, 

* And three-fold Hecaté, besides a train 

* Of ghastly dead, who in the tomb had lain. 

* E'en numbers by my voice have been undone, 

* Though by the Parc: still their thread wasspun. 290 
* I've made the nodding oaks their woods forsake : 

* "The thunder cease the elements to shake ; 

“ And rivers, winding in their nat'ral course, 

'** [ ve forced to turn and seek again their source. 

* But lest untrue thou should'st my words suppose :—925 
* Behold the change thy mansion undergoes!” , 


Tuis said, O wonderful! the columns white 
Began to shine and sparkle to the sight ; 
With precious gems the ceilings straight were dressed, 
Which charmed Rufinus' avaricious breast. 230 


SucH proved the transports of Meonia’s king, 
When first his touch commenced pure gold to bring; 
But when his table-dainties solid grew, 
And wine, like yellow metal, met his view, 
The gift appeared most hateful to behold, 235 
And Midas cursed his pow'r, 'mid odious gold. 


46 


Ergo animi victus, Sequimur quoeumque vocaris 170 
Seu tu vir, seu Numen, ait: patriaque relicta 
Eoas jussu Furise tendebat ad arces, 
Instabilesque olim Symplegadas, & freta remis 
Inclita Thessalicis qua celsa Bosporus urbe 
Splendet, & Odrysiis Asiam disterminat oris. 175 
Ut longum permensus iter, ductusque maligno 
Stamine fatorum claram subrepsit in aulam, 
Ilicit ambitio nasci; discedere rectum ; 
Venum cuncta dari. Profert arcana, clientes 
F allit, & ambitos a principe vendit honores. 180 
Ingeminat crimen, commoti pectoris jgnem 
Nutrit, & exiguum stimulando vulnus acerbat. 


Ac velut innumeros amnes accedere Nereus 
Nescit, & undantem quamvis hinc hauriat Istrum, 
Hinc bibat zstivum septeno gurgite Nilum, 184 
Par semper, similisque meat : sic fluctibus auri | 
Expleri calor ille nequit. Cuicunque monile 


47 


Rufinus’ sentiments at once complied :— 
** Whate'er thou be, or man or god,” he cried, 
** Thy call IIl follow."— Straight he took his way 
Where bright Aurora opes the gates of day, 
In distant climes ;—the Fury smiled consent 
As t'wards the famed Symplegades he went, 
( Till lately, changing oft ;)—the narrow shores 


That form thé strait where shone Thessalian oars _— 


The Bosphorus, where stands the splendid place, 
Which severs Asia from the coast of Thrace. 


At length arrived where evidently led 
The horrid DxsriNiEs' malicious thread ; 
He entered craftily a court renowned ; 
There fell AwBrTION presently was found ; 
Away INTEGRITY her chariot rolled, 
And to the highest bidder all was sold. 
The royal secrets freely were disclosed ; 
Each client’s business openly exposed ; 
And honours, through the prince’s favour, gained, 
For money easily might be obtained. 
Each day was Caime in blacker colours dressed ; 
With flame he fed the monarch’s aking breast ; 
And, irritating with malicious art, 
To trivial wounds applied th’ envenomed dart. 


* 


240 


245 


8S 
(Rv. 
Q 


955 


260 


Tuus Nereus, while he swallows num'rous streams, 


Insensible of augmentation seems ; 
Though here the Ister’s waters he receives, 


And there the sev’n-mouthed Nile its tribute leaves, 


Yet still the same ;—accumulation steals : 
No added bulk the son of Tethys feels. 


265 


w 


48 


Contextum gemmis, aut praedia culta fuissent, 

Rufino populandus erat, dominoque parabat. 

Exitium foecundus ager; metuenda colonis 199 
: Fertilitas. Laribus pellit, detrudit avitis 

Finibus, aut aufert vivis, aut occupat heres. 

Congestz cumulantur opes, orbisque rapinas 

Accipit una domus. Populi servire coacti, 


Plenaque privato succumbunt oppida regno. 195 


Quo vesane ruis? teneas utrumque licebit 
Oceanum, laxet rutilos tibi Lydia fontes, 
Jungantur solium Cresi, Cyrique tiara : 
Numquam dives eris, numquam fatiabere queestu. 
Semper inops, quicumque cupit. Contentus honesto 200 
Fabricius parvo spernebat munera Regum, 
Sudabatque gravi Consul Serranus aratro, 
Et casa pugnaces Curios angusta tegebat. 
Hc mihi paupertas opulentior: hsec mihi tecta 
Culminibus majora tuis. Tibi quzerit inanes 203 


Luxuries nocitura cibos. Mihi donat inemtas 


49 


So with Rufinus, burning still for more, 

His thirst unquenched by floods of golden ore ; 

If he a collar richly set espy ; 

Or plains well cultivated meet his eye ; 270 
No matter who the property may own : 

Their rights are by the monster overthrown. 

If fertile fields the husbandman perceives, 

His ruin near he instantly believes : 

The ripening crops which wear a fruitful face, 275 
Instead of wealth prognosticate disgrace. 

Tuis from his household gods is rudely torn; 

Tuar from a father's ancient meadows borne: 

Whate'er the living occupy, he takes : 

What's left the heir, —his own at once he makes; 280 
One house the universe's wealth contains, 

Where heaped in num'rous piles the spoil remains ; 
Compelled to serve, the people feel dismay ; 

And cities crouch to petty-tyrant sway. 

O WHITHER, madman! does thy fury draw? 285 
Were both the seas submitted to thy law : | 
Though Lydia's flowing streams for thee should shine, 
Or Croesus’ throne and Cyrus’ crown be thine, 

Still would thy greedy bosom sigh for more: 
Still pant, —ne'er satiated with precious ore. 290 
While ardent appetite pervades the breast, 
Man's ever needy :—always feels distressed. 
In virtuous poverty content to live, 
Fabricius scorned whatever kings could give ; 
Serranus, though a consul, held the plough, 295 
While perspiration trickled o'er his brow ; 
And in a narrow hut those leaders dwelled, 
Both Curius named, whose martial deeds excelled. 
G 


56 


Terra dapes. Rapiunt Tyrios ibi vellera fucos, 

Et picturate saturantur murice vestes : 

Hic radiant flores, & prati viva voluptas 

Ingenio variata suo. Fulgentibus illic 210 
Surgunt strata toris : hic mollis panditur herba, 
Sollicitum curis non abruptura soporem. 

Turba salutantum latas ibi perstrepit sedes : 

Hic avium cantus, labentis murmura rivi. 

Vivitur exiguo melius, Natura beatis 215 
Omnibus esse dedit, si quis cognoverit uti. 

Hiec si nota forent, frueremur simplice cultu : 

Classica non fremerent : non stridula fraxinus iret : 

Non ventus quateret puppes, non machina muros. 
Crescebat scelerata sitis, preedeeque recentis 290 
Incestus flagrabat amor, nullusque petendi 

Cogendive pudor, crebris perjuria nectit 

Dlanditiis : ‘sociat perituro fcedere dextras. 

Si semel é tantis poscenti quisque negasset, 

Effera preetumido quatiebat corda furore. . $25 


51 


O mediocrity ! thy charms I hold 

Give more delight than all this plundered gold!’ —— 3098 
The humble cot, to me, superior seems, 

To what Rufinus stately mansions deems. 

Thy dishes, wretch! are often baneful found: 

Mine are unbought, —which Eartu bestows around. 
For thee the fleece imbibes the Tyriam dye, 305 
And purple figures o'er thy garments lie ; 

Here flow’rs alone their beauteous tints display, 

And Nature decks with green the meadows gay. - 
There beds superb, with all that art supplies 

To make them soft and elegant, arise ; 310 — 
For me a couch of grass and herbs is spread, 

Where, undisturbed by cares, I lay my head. 

Thy doors the mob assail with clam'rous screams :— 
Birds sing at mine, while murmur purling streams. 

Most happiness is found in pittance small : 315 
Bliss was a boon which Nature meant for ALL. 
If human-kind the value truly knew, 

The charms of rural life they'd keep in view ; 

No clangs of war would then reecho round : 

No arrows pierce the air with whistling sound ; 390 
The winds not rock the vessels on the DEEP; 

Nor engines walls from mighty cities sweep. 


EacH day in wickedness he bolder grew, . 
And, void of shame, still burned for something new ; 
To perjuries he joined the soft caress, 395 
And bands, of victims marked, would fondly press. 
If e'er opposed in what he wished to gain, 
Rage filled his breast and rushed through ev'ry vein. 
G 2 | 


32 


Que sic Geetuli jaculo percussa lezena, 

Aut Hyrcana premens raptorem bellua Parthpm, 
Aut serpens caleata furit? jurata Deorum 
Majestas teritur: nusquam reverentia mense, 
Non conjux, non ipse simul, non pignore czsa 
Sufficiunt odiis : non exstinxisse propinquos, 
Non notos egisse sat est. Exscindere cives 
Funditus, & nomen gentis delere laborat. 

Nec celeri mittit leto: crudelibus ante 
Suppliciis fruitur. — Cruciatus, vincla, tenebras 
Dilato mucrone parat. Prd szevior ense 
Parcendi rabies, concessaque vita dolori ! 

Mors adeone parum? caussis fallacibus instat ; 
Arguit attonitos se judice. Caetera segnis, 
Ad facinus velox; penitus regione remotas 
Impiger ire vias. Non illum Sirius ardens, 


Brumaye Rhipzo stridens Aquilone retardat, 


930 


235 


240 


53 


What wounded lioness the like has shown 

When by Geetulian arrows overthrown ? 336 
Or fierce Hyrcanian tigress, as she tries 

To make the Parthian plunderer her prize? 

Or serpent, writhing with the poignant smart, 

That spreads, if trodden on, from head to heart ? 


To oaths or gods he no attention paid ; 335 
"Mid feasts his bloody scenes were often laid ; 
Nor wife, nor husband, nor their children slain, 
Sufficed bis savage hatred to restrain ; 
Nor friends nor kindred from each other torn : 
These death to suffer :—those to exile borne ; 340 
All insufficient for his spite malign, 
Still would he citizens to dust consign, 
And ev'ry fell device with labour frame, 
To blot from memory their very name. 


Nor would he doom to death at once his prey, — 345 
But seek, with cruel torments, to delay, 
"Mid chains, and dungeons dark, and anguish dire, - 
The blow with which their suff’rings might expire. 
O fury! worse thy pity than the sword : 
Suspended tortures agonies afford ;. 350 
And life’s conceded but to rack the more, 

As if the pains of death too soon were or ! 


His object he'd pursue with wily art : 
Himself the judge, he’d dread surprise impart ! 
In CaiMES most active ;—dull in all beside : 355 
Through distant climes with rapid course he’d glide ; 
Nor dog-days’ heat ; nor those with lengthened night, 
When storms pervade Rhipheus’ cloudy height ; 


54 


Effera torquebant avid: precordia cure, 
Effugeret ne quis gladios, neu perderet ullum 
Augusto miserante, nefas. ‘Non flectitur annis: - 
Non etate labat.  Juvenum rorantia colla 

Ante patrum vultus stricta cecidere securi. 

Ibat grandeevus nato moriente superstes 

Post trabeas exsul. Quis prodere tanta relatu 
Funera, quis cedes possit deflere nefandas ? 

Quid tale immanes umquam gessisse feruntur 

Vel Sinis Isthmiaca pinu, vel rupe profunda 
Sciron, vel Phalaris tauro, vel carcere Sulla ? 

O mites Diomedis equi: Busiridis are 
Clementes. Jam Cinna pius, jam Sparthace lenis 
Rufino collatus eris. Dejecerat amens 

Occultis odiis terror, taeitique sepultos 


Suspirant gemitus, indignarique verentur. 


At non magnanimi virtus Stiliconis eodem 


Fracta mietu: medio solus sed turbine rerum 


245 


255 


260 


55 


Nor cold Norrs Winns, that o'er the mountains sweep, 
Could make him from his settled purpose keep, _ 360 
His breast to dire disquietude a prey, 

He feared lest some should plot to get away, 

And suddenly escape the murd’rous knife : 

Or, moved by pity, CxsAR grant them life. . 

Nor age nor infancy could hope for grace: — — 365 
Sons met the axe before the father’s face ; 

And venerable parents, who had viewed. 

The weapon in their children's blood imbrued, , 
Escaping death, in exile doomed to sigh, 

Dragged life and honours under foreign sky. 370 


THE num'rous victims slaughtered, who could state, 
Or impious havock thoroughly relate ? 
Were ever known such cruelties as these ?— 
Corinthian Sinis, with his bending trees, 
Or Sciron's rock, or Phalaris's bull, 375 
Or Scylla with his horrid dungeons full? | 
O gentle horses, Diomed, were thine —— 
Busiris’ altars equally benign '— 
Compar'd to thee, Rufinus, Cinna's mild, 
And Spartacus should merciful be styled. — 380 


Th dread of hatred lurking in his breast, 
Their bursting sighs and sobs alone expressed ; 
Though by indignant rage their hearts were rent, 
Yet still they durst not utter discontent. 


How’ Er discouraged by prevailing fears, 385 
Intrepid Stilicho the same appears. 
Alone, in spite of terrours widely spread, 
His archers with rapidity he led 


56 


. Contra letiferos rictus, contraque rapacem 
Movit tela feram, volucris non preepete cursu 
Vectus equi, non Pegaseis adjutus habenis. 


Hic cunctis optata quies, hic sola pericli 


"Turris erat, clipeusque trucem porrectus in hostem. 


Hic profugis sedes, adversaque signa furori, 
Servandis hic castra bonis: hucusque minatus 
Herebat, retroque fuga cedebat inerti. 

Haud secus hiberno tumidus cum vortice torrens 
Saxa rotat volvitque nemus, pontesque revellit, 
Frangitur objectu scopuli, querensque meatum 
Spumat, & illisa montem circumtonat unda. 
Qua dignum te laude feram, qui pene ruenti, 
Lapsuroque tuos humeros objeceris orbi ? 

Te nobis trepidee ceu sidus dulce carince 
Ostendcre Dei, geminis que lassa procellis 
Tunditur, & victo trahitur jam ceca magistro. 
Inachius rubro perhibetur in squore Perseus 


Neptuni domuisse pecus; sed tutior alis. 


Te non penna vehit. Rigida cum Gorgone Perseus : 


Tu non viperes defensus crine Meduse. 


265 


270 


275 


280 





57 


' Against a monster, seeking to devour, 


And overturn the constituted pow’r. 7 390 


His horse's fleetness aided not his speed, 

Nor seemed he Pegasus's wings to need ; 

The universe grew tranquil at his sight, 

And dangers vanished with ignoble flight. 

The virtuous ev'ry way protection found, 395 
And menaces no more reechoed round. ; 


So when, in winter, swollen torrents sweep 
Large stones, and trees, and bridges, down the steep, 
If intercepted by a lofty rock, 
That bears immoveably th’ impetuous shock : 400 
Impatient of obstruction in their course, 
They foam with thund’ring roar and broken force. 


Wuart praises, Stilicho, should thee await, 
Whose nervous arm preserved a tott'ring state? 
Propitious star! that came with sudden light 405 
To save the ship amid the gloom of night, 
When adverse winds began to overwhelm, 
And drove the wearied pilot from the helm. 


Acrisius’ grandson*, formerly, ’tis said, 


In Greece a monster from the sea struck dead ; 410 - 


Of wings possessed, retreat was always sure ;— 
But thou with pinions wert not thus secure. 

The son of Jove, begot in show'r of gold, 

Was armed with Gorgons, horrid to behold ; 


But thee no vipers from Medusa's hair, 415 
With hideous heads and. tongues, have made their care. 
H 


* Perseus, the san of Jupiter and Danae. 


S2-À 


58 


Illum vilis amor suspense virginis egit ; 

Te Romana salus. Taceat superata vetustas : . 
Herculeos conferre tuis jam desinat actus. 

Una Cleonzuin pascebat silva leonem. 285 
Arcadie saltum vastabat dentibus unum 

Seevus aper: tuque 6 compressa matre rebellis 

Non ultra Libyse fines, Antze, nocebas : 

Solaque fulmineo resonabat Creta juvenco, 

Lerneamque virens obscderat Hydra paludem. 290 


Hoc monstrum non una palus, non una tremebat 


Insula : sed Latia quidquid ditione subactum 
Vivit, & à primis Ganges horrebat Iberis. 


Hoc neque Geryones triplex, nec turbidus Orci 


i5 
© 
Cr 


Janitor equabunt, nec si concurrat in unum 

Vis Hydre, Scyllaque fames, & flamma Chimere 
Certamen sublime diu, sed moribus impar 
Virtutum, scelerumque fuit. Jugulare minatur : 


- "Tu prohibes, Ditem spoliat: tu reddis genti. 


o9 


When he relieved the virgin from her chains, 

"I was silly love alone that warmed his veins ; 
But thou with nobler views wert seen to move: 
Thy country's safety :— Rome's support to prove. 
O ages past! your heroes cease to name : 

With this compare not Hercules's fame. 

A single wood Cleonz's lion fed : 


The fierce wild boar with tusks that terrour spread, 


To one Arcadian space his rage confined, 

Where lofty trees and bushes closely twined. 
And thou, Anteus, who new strength ‘couldst get, 
If by thy mother EAgTH's embraces met, 

Thy furious ravages were never found, 

To reach beyond the banks that Libya bound. 

In Crete alone was heard the bull's loud roar ; 
And Lerna's lake the Hydra’s venom bore. . 


Turs monster spread not terrours o'er a lake, 
Nor made, with fear, a petty island shake ; 
But far as Roman arms their pow'r extend, 
And peaceful natiops in subjection bend, 
From Ganges’ waters to the further Spain, 
His name dire horrour thrilled through ev'ry vein. 
Not triple-bodied Geryon’s mighty force, 


490 





425 


430 


435 


Nor Hell’s fierce porter could have stopped his course, 440 


. Nor if the Hydra's strength and Sylla's ire 
Had formed a junction with Chimera’s fire. 


TuE struggle, though unequal, lasted long, 


"Tween WickEpNzss upheld and V rRTUE strong ; 


Rufinus sword was on destruction bent, 
While thine protection 'gainst his terrours lent ; 
H.2 


445 


. 60 


Eruit: instauras. Accendit prelia: vincis. $00 
Ac velut infecto morbus crudescere ccelo 

Incipiens primos pecudum depascitur artus ; 

Mox populos urbesque rapit, ventisque perustis 
Corruptos Stygiam pestem desudat in amnes : 

Sic avidus prado jam non per singula sevit ; 305 
Sed sceptris inferre minas, omnique peremto 

Milite, Romanas ardet prosternere vires. 

Jam gentes Istrumque movet, Scythiamque receptat 
Auxilio, traditque sues; hostilibus armis 

Relliquias. Mistis descendit Sarmata Dacis, 310 
Et qui cornipedes in pocula vulnerat audax 

Massagetes, cesamque bibens Meeotida Alanus, 
Membraque qui ferro gaudet pinxisse Gelonus, 

Rufino collecta manus. ! Vetat ille domari, 


Innectitque moras, & congrua tempora differt. 315 





61 . 


In him the rich a plunderer beheld : 

By thee the poor were cheered,—their fears dispelled ; 
Dire desolation spread where’er -he ranged ; 

Thy presence all again to order changed ; 450 
While he ’mid wars alarms prepared to shine, | 
The victor's eulogy was solely thine. 


"Tis thus beneath a pestilential sky, 
At first Disease, the cattle, dooms to die; 
But soon increasing, flies with rapid wing 455 
O'er men and cities with envenomed sting ; 
The winds convey the poison far and wide, 
And Styx's vapours drop on OcEan’s.tide. 


So this base plunderer, when weary grown 
Of pillaging the multitude alone, | 400 
His savage menaces 'gainst sceptres turned, 
And, watriours’ tombs and Rome to stamp on, burned. 


For him BarBartan tribes'to arms repaired, 
The Danube moved, and Scythia war declared ; 
His shattered troops, which valour oft displayed, ^ 465 
He, basely, to the hostile force betrayed. ' 
'The stout Sarmatians from their mountains came ; 
With these the Dacians mixed their flags of fame : 
The bold Massagetze who ruddy make 
The cup with horses’ blood ere drink they take: — 470 
The cold Alanus, sweeping as he goes 
Meotis’ rugged shores o'erspread with snows: . 
And Gelons who, with swords, deform their skin, 
Rufinus artfully contrived to win. | 
With just anxiety thou sought'st delay, 475 
Deferring efforts "till convenient day. 


62 


Nam tua cum Geticas stravisset dextra catervas, 


Ulta Ducis socii letum, parsque una maneret 
Debilior, facilisque capi: tunc impius ille 
Proditor imperii conjuratusque Getarum 
Distulit instantes eluso principe pugnas, 
Hunnorum laturus opem : quos affore bello 


Norat, & invisis mox se conjungere castris. 


Est genus extremos Scythis vergentis in ortus 
Trans gelidum 'Tanain: quo non famosius ullum 
Arctos alit. Turpes habitus, obscenaque visu 
"Corpora; mens duro numquam cessura labori. 
Preda cibus, vitanda Ceres; frontemque secari 
Ludus, & occisos pulcrum jurare parentes. 

Nec plus nubigenas duplex natura biformes 
Cognatis aptavit equis.  Acerrima nullo 


Ordine mobilitas, insperatique recursus. 


Quos tamen impavidus contra spumantis ad Hebri 


Tendis aquas, sic ante tubas ferrumque precatus : 


330 


63 


In blood of Gete, when thou veng'dst thy friend,* 

Who, Latium’s foes opposing, met his end, 

Some troops remaining, weaker than the rest, 

And easy to defeat when closely pressed, 480 
The impious traitor then delayed the hour, 

And with his rivals seemed to blend his pow'r: 

Deferred the battle's rage with artful view, 

That, joined by Huns, whose near approach he knew, 
Th’ imperial camp they better might engage, = 485 
And, thus united, prosp'rous warfare wage. 


BrEvowp the Tanais, in regions cold, 
Where Scythia views Aurora's beams unfold, 
A race of hideous, savage monsters dwell, 
The Arcros’ rays on fiercer brutes ne'er fell : 490 
Deformed in features, horrid to the sight, | 
Their minds can ev'ry labour render light ; 
With prey, obtained by daily efforts, fed, < 
They never dream of bounteous Ceres’ bread ; 
"Tis pleasure scars upon the face to tear, 495 
And glorious by a murdered sire to swear ! | 
. The biformed Centaur, NATURE never fixed 
With closer ties, when man and horse she mixed. 
No settled plan their rapid movements guides, 
And their return all certainty derides. 500 
However, 'twards the Hebrus’ foaming shore, 
Thy troops the Roman standards boldly bore ; 
And ere the trumpet sounded through the air, 
Or sword was drawn, thou thus beganst thy prayer: 


* Promotus. 





64 


Mavors, nubifero seu tu procumbis in ZEmo, 
Seu te cana gelu Rhodope, seu remige Medo, 
Sollicitatus Athos, seu caligantia nigris 
llicibus Pangea tenent, accingere mecum 

Et Thracas defende tuos : si letior adsit 
Gloria, vestita spoliis donabere quercu. 
Audiit illa pater, scopulisque nivalibus ZEmi 
Surgit, & hortatur celeres clamore ministros. 


Fer galeam, Bellona, mihi, nexusque rotarum 


. "Tende, Pevor : frena rapidos Formido jugales. 


Festinas urgete manus. Meus ecce paratur 
Ad bellum Stilico, qui me de more tropeis 
Ditat, & hostiles suspendit in arbore cristas. 
Communes semper litui, communia nobis 
Signa canunt, junctoque sequor tentoria curru. 
Sic fatus campo insiliit, lateque fugatas 

Hinc Stilico turmas, illinc Gradivus agebant, 
Et clipeis & mole pares. Stat cassis utrique 
Sidereis hirsuta jubis, Joricaque cursu 


ZEstuat, & largo satiatur vulnere cornus. 


335 


34Q 


345 


350 


65 - 


* O Mars !. reclining on the summits high 505 
** Of Hemus’ mount, where clouds obscure the sky ; 
* Or on the Rhodopé, where frosts abound ; 
** Or Athos, echoing with the oars’ dull sound ; 
* Or dark Pangeeus, ‘mid the Ilex’ shade :— 
* Assist our arms :——thy favirite Thracians aid. 510 
* Should glory crown our efforts with success, 
* An oak, in honour, with the spoil we'll dress." 


To this the god gave ear and straight arose 
From Hemus' lofty rocks o'erspread with snows ; 
His clamour through the airy regions broke, 513 
And to his.anxious ministers he spoke : | 


* My helmet bring, Bellona ;—FeEar away, 
."* And fix the chariot-wheels without delay ; 
** The fiery coursers, TERROuR, yoke in haste, 
* And let the reins to guide be quickly placed, 520 
* Our hands of ev'ry diligence have need: 
** See, Stilicho is ready to proceed, 
* Who richest trophies to my name decrees, 
** And hostile helmets hangs upon the trees. 
* Whene'r those signals or loud clarions sound, — 525 
* His camps I follow, and am near him found." 


Tuts said, with rapid course the field he sought : 
The god and Stilicho with feryour fought, 
And drove the savage foe along the plain :— 
Alike their arms increased the heaps of slain ; 530 
Erect upon their helmets stood the plumes : 
Heat overspread their armour with its fumes ; 
So great the slaughter made on ev'ry side, 
_ The sated lance with streams of blood was dyed. 
I 


66 


Acrior interea voto, multoque Megera 
Luxuriata malo, mossta deprendit in arce — ^ 355 
Justitiam, diroque prior sic ore lacessit. 
En tibi prisca quies, revocataque secula rursus, 
Ut rebare, vigent. En nostra potentia cessit, 
Nec locus est usquam Furiis, Huc lumina flecte. 
Adspice barbaricis jaceant quot moenia flammis,  ~ 360 
Quas mihi Rufinus strages, quantumque cruoris 
Preebeat, & quantis epulentur cedibus hydri. 
Linque homines, sortemque meam: pete sidera: notis 
Autumni te redde plagis, qua vergit in Austrum 
Signifer. —/Estivo sedes vicina Leoni 365 
Jam pridem geminzque vacant confinia Libre, 


Atque utinam per magna sequi convexa liceret. 


Diva refert; Non ulterius bacchabere demens. 
Jam poenas tuus iste dabit: jam debitus ultor 
Imminet, & terras qui nunc, ipsumque fatigat 370 
/Ethera ; nec vili moriens condetur arena. 
Jamque aderit leto promissus Honorius evo. 


'' Nec forti genitore minor, nec fratre corusco: 


67 


MEANWHILE Megera, quite elated grown, — ' 535 
To find atrocities profusely sown, 
Perceived Astrea, sadly. in distress, 
To whom she made this insolent address : 


* TaosE days of calm, and ages free from pain, 
* Thou hast contrived, it seems, to bring again ; 540 
* And thus the FunrEs not a spot have left ! | | 
* Here turn thy eyes :—see towns of walls bereft; . 
** Observe the flames where savages give aid : 
* The horrid slaughter by Rufinus made ; 
* ‘What massacres achieves his active sword, = 545 
** Which my loved Hydra bloody feasts afford. ~ 
* Quit! quit mankind, and leave to me their fate: 
* Return above and there resume thy state, - 
* Among the stars that t'wards the Soutu incline, 
* And with their twinkling rays on AuTUMN shine. 550 
* The neighb'riag summer Lion thee attends, 
* With equal LisnRA, who thy cause befriends. 
** O how I wish that, through the vaulted sky, 
* I could pursue thee to the realms on high !" 


* Map wretch !" replied the goddess, “ soon thy reign 
555 


* Of horrours dire, its utmost length will gain ; 
*€ Thy hero’s death will set the world at rest : 
^ Already by a conqueror he's pressed ; 
"* Both EAnTH and Heav’n abhor the monster's sight : 
* E'en dust shall be denied his fun’ral rite. 560 
** ‘The youth of promise now upon the throne, 
“ Honorius, long shall choicest blessings own, 
** "The happy rival of a father great, 
* And brother clothed in ORIENTAL state. 
] 2 


68 


Qui subigat’ Medos, qui cuspide proterat Indos. 


Sub juga venturi reges. Calcabitur asper 
Phasís equo, pontemque pati cogelur Araxes. 
Tuque simul gravibus ferri religata catenis 
Expellere die, debellatasque draconum : 
Tonsa jubas iino Barathri condere recessu. 
Tum tellus communis etit: tum limite nullo 
Discernetur ager: nec vomere sulcus "adunco 
Findetur. Subitis messor gaudebit aristis. | 
Rorabunt querceta favis : stagnantia passim 


Vina fluent, oleique lacus: nec murice tinctis 


Velleribus queretur bonos : sed sponte rubebunt 


Attonito pastore greges, pontumque per omnem 
Ridebunt virides gemmis nascentibus alge. | 


"5 


375 


380 


385 





69 


* The Medes, his laws, shall ev'ry-where obey : 
* His arms, the Indians, thoroughly dismay ; 

* And pow'rful kings prepare to meet the stroke, 
“ That shall compel, them to receive the yoke. 
“ On frozen Phasis shall proud coursers tread, 
* And o'er Araxes' stream a bridge be spread. 

* With heavy iron chains on ev'ry limb, 

** No more thy sight the solar ray shall dim; 

* "The twining serpents from thy forehead shorn, 
* For ever Hell will be thy state forlorn. 

* 'The earth shall then in common be enjoyed ; 


* No marks as bounds to fields will be employed ; 


* The ploughshare cease to furrow up the soil: 
“ The harvests rise without the farmer's toil ; 
* In drops the honey on the woods distil ; 


* With wine and oil the pools ‘and lakes shall fill : 


* No longer purple dyes be fondly sought, 


565 


570 


575 


580 


* To stain the wool. for splendid honours brought; .'. . 


* But on the flocks a beauteous red shall rise ;— 


m 


* "The shepherd's bosom glow with marked surprise; — 
“ And precious gems shall ‘mid the grass-wrack glare, 585 


* Where Pontus’ shores a smiling verdure bear." 


CL. CLAUDIANI 
IN RUFINUM. 
LIBER Il. 


PREFATIO. 


| rnm m] 
Ce 


PANDITE defensum reduces Helicona sorores. 
Pandite, permissis jam licet ire choris. 

Nulla per Aonios hostilis buccina campos 
Carmina mugitu deteriore vetat. 

Tu quoque securis pulsa formidine Delphis, 
Floribus ultorem Delie cinge tuum. 

Nullus Castalios latices, & preescia fati 
Flumina polluto Barbarus ore bibit. 

Alpheus late rabuit, Siculumque per equor 
Sanguineas belli rettulit unda notas. 

Agnovitque novos absens Arethusa triumphos, 


Et Geticam sensit teste cruore necem. 


10 


INVECTIVES 
AGAINST RUFINUS. 
BOOK II. 


PREFACE. 


O sisters Nix! your term of exile’s o’er ; 
Again the paths of Helicon restore : 

Your choirs are free; no hostile trumpet's sound, 
To thwart your songs, is in Aonia found. 

Great god of Delos! thy avenger’s brow 

Adorn with flow’rs intwined with laurel bough ; 
No longer Delphi trembles with alarms, 

And tranquil peace around diffuses charms ; 

No more BARBARIANS, with polluted lip, 
Presume Castalia’s sacred springs to sip ; 

With blood Alpheus* reddened, and the wave 
Sicilian shores dire marks of battle gave. 

And Arethusa learned, though far away, 

By gore of Gets, who had lost the day. 


10 


* The Alpheus is a famous river of Arcadia, which the ancients 
feigned to have sunk underground, and so passed beneath the sea to 
the river Arethusa in Sicily. See Vine. Za, 111. 694, and Ov. Ars 


Am, 111. 6. 


72 


Immensis, Stilico, succedant otia curis, 
Et nostre patiens corda remitte lyre. 

Nec pudeat longos interrupisse labores, 15 
Et tenuem Musis constituisse moram. 

Fertur & indomitus tandem post prelia Mavors | 
Lassa per Odrysias fundere membra nives, 

Oblitusque sui, posita clementior hasta, 


Pieriis aures pacificare modis. 20 





73 


O Stiricuo! may long repose succeed 15 
Those great fatigues, from which thou now art freed :— 
Our lyre successfully delight impart, 

And pleasing calm restore around thy heart. 

Without a blush thou may’st at ease recline, 

And sacrifice a little to the Nine. 20 
When battles o'er, Mars, weary limbs, extends 

On Thrasian snows; his martial rage suspends ; 

His arms lays by ; with clemency appears ; 

And to Pierian strains inclines his ears. 


J AM post edomitas Alpes, defensaque regna 
Hesperiz, merita complexus sede parentem 
Auctior adjecto fulgebat sidere mundus, 
Jamque tuis, Stilico, Romana potentia curis, 
Et rerum commissus apex. Tibi credita fratrum 5 
Utraque majestas, geminseque exercitus aule. 

Rufinus (neque enim patiuntur seva quietem 

Crimina, pollutz que negant arescere fauces) 

Infandis iterum terras accendere bellis 

Inchoat, & solito pacem vexare tumultu. 10 
Hc etiam secum : Quanam ratione tuebor 

Spem vite fragilem? qua tot depellere fluctus 

Arte queam ? premor hinc odiis: hinc milite cingor. 
Heu quid agam? non arma mihi, non principis ullus 
Auxiliatur amor. Matura pericula surgunt , 15 
Undique, & impositi radiant cervicibus enses. 


Quid restat, nisi cuncta novo confundere luctu, 


BOOK II. 


Tu E Alps submitted, and Hesperia's realm 
Protected from attempts to overwhelm ; 

The hero's merit meets the fond embrace, 
And, 'mong the stars of night, receives a place. 
O Stilicho! to thy protecting band 


The reins are giv'n that, Rome's success, command. 


With thee the two-fold cares of brothers rest :— 
The arms of empires botl»sin EAsT and Wzsr. 


But crimes of blackest dye are never still, 
And blood can scarcely jaws polluted fill ; 
Again Rufinus sought to spread alarms, 

And peace disturb with horrid din of arms. 


Tue hideous monster to himself exclaimed : 
* Alas! what wily method can be framed, 
'" On which some slender hopes of life to found, 
* And dissipate the storm that threatens round. 
* With deepest hatred I’m regarded here, 
** And num'rous armies 'gainst me now appear. 


* What line shall I pursue ?—what plan contrive ?— 


IO 


15 


* No troops have I ;—no prince for me will strive ;—20 


* On ev'ry side impending perils stare : 


* Swords, o'er my head and shoulders, seem to glare. 


* What's left for me to do, 'mid ruin hurled, 
* But, in my fall, to drag a guiltless world? 
K 2 


76 
Insontesque mee populos miscere ruins? 
Everso juvat orbe mori. Solatia leto 
Exitium commune dabit; nec territus ante 20 
Decedam. Cum luce simul linquenda potestas. 
Hiec fatus, ventis veluti si frena remittat 
/Eolus, abrupto gentes sic objice fudit, 
Laxavitque viam bellis, & ne qua maneret 
Immunis regio, cladem divisit in urbes, 25 
Disposuitque nefas. Alii per terga ferocis 
Danubii solidata ruunt, expertaque remos 
Frangunt stagna rotis. Alii pgr Caspia claustra, 
Armeniasque nives inopino tramite ducti 
Invadunt Orientis opes. Jam pascua fumant 30 
Cappadocum, volucrumque parens Argus equorum. 
Jam rubet altus Halys : nec se defendit iniquo 
Monte Cilix. Syris tractus vastantur ameni ; 
Assuetumque choris, & leta plebe canorum 
Proterit imbellem sonipes hostilis Orontem. 33 
Hinc planctus Asie : Geticis Europa catervis 
Ludibrio preedseque datur, frondentis adusque 


Dalmatiz fines; omnis qua mobile Ponti 


77 


* With realms o'erthrown ’tis bliss to yield our breath : 
* "The universal wreck consoles in death. 

* While terrours reign, let me enjoy the hour, 

* And from me snatch at once both life and pow'r." 


T urs having said,—as /Eolus unchains 
At times the winds which he at will restrains, 
So obstacles removed, Rufinus brought 
The nations to engage in what he sought ; 
War's horrours left no country in repose, 
And crimes and slaughter ev'ry-where arose. 
Some rapid Danube's frozen surface tried, 
And chariots rolled where had often plied ; 
While num'rous hordes, along the Caspian shore, 
And through Armenian snows, their courses bore, 
Exploring narrow paths and ways unknown, 
That opened to th’ imperial OgrENT throne. 
With slaughter reeked the Cappadocian fields, 
And where Argeus, broods of horses, yields ; 
The Halys reddened with the heaps of gore : 
Cilicians, ’mid their rocks, defence gave oer ; 
Dire devastation spread on ev'ry side, 
Through Syria’s charming plains and surface wide ; 
No pleasing concerts gratified the ear : 
The horse, whose brisk and lively neighings cheer, 
With step majestick pressed upon the clay, 
Where (hating war,) Orontes makes his way. 
In tears was Asia ;—Europe too appeared 
The scorn of Getz, who no laws revered ; 
The terrour raised extended far around :— . 
E'en reached the mountains which Dalmatia bound. 


25 


30 


35 


40 


43 


78 


JEquor, & Adriacas tellus interjacet undas, | 
Squalet inops pecuduin, nullis habitata colonis, 40 
Instar anbelantis Libyse, quee, torrida semper 
Solibus, humano nescit mansuescere cultu. | 
Thessalus ardet ager. Reticet pastore fugato — 
Pelion. Emathias ignis populatur aristas. 
Jam plaga Pannonie, miserandaque moenia Thracum, 45 
Arvaque Mysorum. Jam nulli flebile damnum, 
Sed cursus solennis erat, campusque furori 
Expositus, sensumque malis deusxeret usug. 
Eheu quam brevibus pereunt ingentia fatis ! 
Imperium.tanto quesitum sanguine, tanto 50 
Servatum, quod mille ducum peperere labores, 
Quod tantis Romane manus contexuit annis, 
Proditor unus iners angusto tempore vertit. 
Urbs etiam, magne que dicitur emula Rome, 
Ex Chalcedonias contra despectat arenas, ' $5 
Jam non finitimo Martis terrore movetur ; 
Sed propius lucere faces, & rauca sonare 
Corntie, vibratisque peti fastigia telis 
Adspicit. Hi vigili muros statione tueri, 
Hi junctis properant portus munire carinis. . 60 


79 


From banks that limit Pontus’ stormy wave, 

To shores the Adriatick's billows lave, 

Drear solitude prevailed :—no cattle fed :— 
The husbandman had from the champaigns fled ; 
And all resembled Libya’s steril soil, 


Which, scorch'd by heat, regards not human toil. 


The shepherd's voice, on Pelion, rang no more: 
Flames ravaged Thessaly ;—Emathia’s store ; 
And o'er Pannonie and the walls of Thrace, 
And Myria's fields, dread havock left its trace. 
But nought of pity these dire terrours drew ; 
Each day the savage course began anew ; 

The plains were to BARBARIAN rage exposed, 
And ev'ry feeling sense by ust was closed. 


Aras! how soon is greatness overset, 
When by the Destin1£s’ decision met! 
A mighty realm, by blood and labour raised, 
The work of num'rous chiefs for valour praised, 
Which Roman hands, with time, together placed, 
A stupid traitor rapidly laid waste. 


A city too, Rome’s rival in command, 
Which overlooks Chalcedon’s arid sand, 


Was filled with terrour,—not from Mars’ dread arms, 
But torches near, which blazed and spread alarms ; 


Harsh horns were sounded, and the lofty tow’rs 
Were presently attacked by darts in show'rs. 
Some on the walls, to watch, their stations took, 
While others sought together ships to hook, . 
Which, carefully arranging side by side, 

To shut the port securely, they applied. 


55 


60 


65 


75 


80 


Obsessa tamen ille ferus letatur in urbe, 
Exsultatque malis, Summoque é culmine turris 
Impia vicini cernit spectacula campi. 

Vinctas ire nurus, hunc in vada proxima mergi 
Seminecem, hunc subito percussum vulnere labi, 
Dum fugit, hunc animam portis efflare sub ipsis, 
Nec canos prodesse seni, puerique cruore 
Maternos undare sinus.  Immensa voluptas, 

Et risus plerumque subit. Dolor afficit unus, 
Quod feriat non ipse manu. — Videt omnia late 
Exceptis incensa suis, & crirhine tanto. 

Luxuriat, carumque sibi non abnuit hostem. 
Jactabatque ultro, quod soli castra paterent, 
Sermonumque foret. vicibus permissa potestas, 
Egregii quoties exisset foederis auctor. 

Stipatur sociis, circumque armata clientum 
Agmina privatis ibant famulantia signis. 

I pse inter medios, ne qua de parte relinquat 
Barbariem, revocat fulvas in pectora pelles, 
Frenaque, & immanes pharetras, arcusque sonoros 
Assiinulat, mentemque palam testatur amictu. 
Nec pudet Ausonios currus & jura regentem. 


Sumere deformes ritus, vestemque Getarum : 


65 


70 


75 


80 


81 


Yer he, within the city's guarded space, __ 
Exulted in the crimes which spread disgrace, 
And from the highest tow’r enjoyed the sight, 
Of: horrours fell, that gave his heart delight. 
Here, beauteous females, in the neighb’ring plains, 
Moved slowly, bending under heavy chains ; 
There others, gasping ‘mid the waves for breath, 


Half dead still struggled 'gainst the shafts of Death : 


Some in their flight received the fatal dart, 

And others, at their door, the direful smart. 

The hoary locks of age ;—the mother's breast, 
With bloody stains from dying child caressed :— 
Gave heart-felt joy, while grief alone arose, 


When those escaped, the monster deemed his foes. 


Destructive flames extended far around ; 

But all, Rufinus owned, protection found ; 

The devastation gratified his sight, 

And savages he viewed with fond delight. 

He boasted openly the wily pow'r 

To enter, by himself, at any hour, 

The hostile camp and interviews obtain, 

As often as he wished the same to gain. 
Companions crowded round where'er he moved ; 


And num'rous clients, armed, their ardour proved. 


"Mid these the monster, (proud of what appeared 
The custom "mong Barsarrans he revered,) 
With yellow fur bis bosom covered o'er:—- - 
Loose reins ; and quivers with their wonted store; 
A sounding bow he carefully displayed ; 
And all he wore, his sentiments betrayed. 
Though to the height of Roman grandeur raised, 
He sought, by savage Getz, to be praised ; 

L . 


95 


105 


110 


115 


82 


Insignemque habitum Latii mutare coacta 

Meerent captive pellito judice leges. 85. 
Quis populi tunc vultus erat ? que murmura furtim ? 
Nam miseris nec flere quidem, aut lenire dolorem - 
Colloquiis impune licet. Quonam usque feremus 
Exitale jugum ? dire quis terminus unquam 

Sortis erit? quis nos funesto turbine rerum 90 
Aut tantis solvet lacrimis? quos Barbarus illinc, 

Hinc Rufinus agit: quibus arva fretumque negantur. 
Magna quidem per rura lues ; sed major oberrat 

Intra tecta timor. Tandem succurre ruentj 

Heu patrie, Stilico. Dilecta hic pignora certe, 95 
Hic domus: hic thalamis primum genialibus omen. 

Hic tibi felices erexit regia tedas. 

Vel solus sperate veni. Te prelia viso 

Lenguescent, avidique cadet dementia monstri. 

Talibus urgetur discors Aurora procellis. 100 


83 
Nor blushed ta see BARBARIAN furs preside 
In courts, while Latium’s laws were laid aside. | 


ALAs! what woes o'erspread the nation's face ! 
What secret murmurs at the dire disgrace! . 
The wretch allowed no publick marks of grief, 120 
Nor e’en from friendly talk to seek relief. 


* WuatT!” cried the people to themselves, “ shall we, 
* From such a heavy yoke be never free? 
** No end to misery dnd pain be found ?— 195 
*" Who'll dissipate the storm that rages romnd, 
“ Or dry our tears ?— Here savages oppress,— 
“ And there Rufinus heightens the distress. 
* Alike to us are land and sea denied : 
“ Destruction o'er our fields spreads far and wide; 130 
* But in our walls still greater horrours reign, 
“ "Than those which overwhelm the open plain. | 
* Thy tottring country, Stilicho, befriend ; 
" And haste at once thy pow’rful aid to lend. 
“ The tender pledges of thy love are here, 135. 
* Thy house,—and all the objects held most dear; 
* The place where first thy genial joys arose :— 
“ There nuptial blessings wait thy sweet repose. 
** Thy presence let us hope without delay : 
* Alone, 'twill strike the foe with dire dismay ; 140 
** The greedy monster, glutted with the slain, 
«* No more will try the contest to maintain." 


Tavs, ‘mid discordant sounds, at early morn, 
Aurora's beams the universe adorn. 


L 2 





84 


At Stilico, Zephyris cum primum bruma remitti, 
Et juga diffusis nudari ccepta pruinis, 
Partibus Italie tranquilla in pace locatis, 
Utraque castra movens, Pheebi properabat ad ortus, 
Gallica discretis Eoaque robora turmis 
.Complexus. Nunquam tante ditione sub una 
Convenere manus, nec tot discrimina vocum. 
Ilinc Armenisg vibratis crinibus ale 
Herbida collecte facili velamina nodo. 
Inde truces flavo comitantur vertice Galli, 
Quos Rhodanus velox, Araris quos tardior ambit, 
Kt quas nascentes explorat gurgite Rhenus, 
Quosque rigat retro pernicior unda Garumne, 
Oceani pleno quoties impellitur zstu. 
Mens eadem cunctis, animique recentia ponunt 
Vulnera, Non odit victus, victorve superbit. 
Et quamvis preesens tumor, & civilia nuper 
Classica, bellatrixque etiam nunc ira caleret, 
. In ducis eximium conspiravere favorem. 
Haud aliter Xerxen toto simul orbe secutus 
Narratur rapuisse vagos exercitus amnes, 
Et telis umbrasse diem, cum classibus iret 


Per seopulos, tectumque pedes contemneret tequor, 


110 


115 





85. 


Howr'rn, the ZErHyks softened winter's air, — 145. 
And, in their course, laid snow-clad mountains bare ; 
Through Italy the charms of peace were spread, | 
When Stilicho, two noble armies, led 
T’wards Phoebus’ gates, with others in the rear, 

From Gaul and Eastern climes, his hopes to cheer. 150 
Such num'rous forces ne'er one chief obeyed, 

Nor various TowGuEs were thus in arms arrayed. 

Here, with curled hair, th’ Armenian troops, behold, 

In plaited robes that knots of grass infold ; 

There, daring Gauls, with locks of golden gleam, 1955 
From rapid Rhone or sluggish Arar's stream ; 

The Rhine’s deep waters, where suspicions lave 

The new-born infant in-the flowing wave ; 

Or swift Garonne, that OCEAN, in its course, 

Repels with rolling billows t'wards its source. 160 


ALIKE with ardour glowed each warriour's breast ; 
No sense of recent ills their minds possessed ; 
The vanquished stifled hate :—the victor pride :— 
Rage in the bosom throbbed on ev'ry side: 
Dissensions unsubdued still fostered ire, 165 
And war, each heart with fury, seemed to fire ; 
All anxiously desired to fan the flame, 
And, with their gen’ral, take the road to fame. 


So when those armies, drawn from various climes, 
And led by Xerxes, marched in former times, 170 
The rivers disappeared :—the beams of day, 

Obscured by clouds of arrows, c ceased to play; ; 
The ships through dangers moved ; and o'er the main, 
The warriour safely trod the liquid plain. 





86 


Vix Alpes transgressus erat, nec jam amplius errat 
Barbarus, adventumque tremens, se cogitin unam 125 
Planitiem, tutoque includit pascua gyro. 

Tum duplicem fossam non exsuperabile vallum 

Asperat alternis sudibus, murique locata 

In speciem cesis obtendit plaustra juvencis. 

At proeul exsanguis Rufinum perculithorror: ^ — 130 
Infecte pallore gene. — Stetit ore gelato 

Incertus peteretne fugam, veniamne subactus 

Posceret, an fidos sese traneferret in hostes. 

Quid nunc divitite, quid fulvi vasta metalli 

Congeries, quid purpureis effulta-columnis 135 
Atria, prolatzeve juvant ad sidera moles ? 

Audit iter, numeratque dies, spatioque viarum 

Metitur vitam. . Torquetur pace futura, 

Nec recipit somnos, & stepe cubilibus amens 

Excutitur, poenamque fuit formidine poene. 140- 
Sed redit in rabiem scelerumque immane resumit 


87 


Tue Alps once passed by Stilicho in arms, 175 
BARBARIANS, trembling, ceased to spread alarms ; 
No longer, far and wide, they took their course, 
But, in the champaign, joined their scattered force ; 
And, pasture for their horses circling round, 
With double ditches they secured the ground ; 180 
Strong palisades were set on ev'ry side, 
And wagons eovered oer with bullocks' hide. 


Howe’ea, though distant yet the dreaded pow’, 
Dire horrours seemed Rufinus to devour ; 
Wan was his cheek, and frozen ev'ry sense : 185 
Awhile he stood unsettled, ’mid suspense, 
If best by flight his safety to assure ;— 
Or make submission, pardon to secure :— 
Or with the savage foes, who lent support, 
His standards join, and all their favour court. 190 


Or what advantage now his copious store, 
Or all his heaps of precious yellow ore, 
Rich palaces that splendid columns grace, 
And lofty piles which reach the azure space ? 


He learned the march ;—each moment counted well, 195 
Since, by the distance, he might better tell 
The hours he had to live, which shorter grew 
As Stilicho advanced, be fully knew. 
The thoughts of peace with anguish filled his breast :— 
Sleep fled his eyes :—distraction broke his rest :— 200 
And dread of punishment gave poignant smart, . 
That multiplied Dxatn’s torments round the heart. 


Burt rage once more his cruel bosom fired:: 
Again to direful crimes the wretch aspired ; 


88 


Ingenium, sacrasque fores preedivitis aule 
Intrat, & Arcadium misto terrore precatur. 
Per fratris regale jubar, per facta parentis 
fEtherii, floremque tui te deprecor evi, 

Eripe me gladiis. Liceat Stiliconis iniquas 
Evitare minas. In nostram Gallia cedem 
Conjurata venit. Quidquid ligat ultima Tethys, 
Extremos ultra volitat gens si qua Britannos, 
Mota mihi. Tantis capiendi credimur armis ? 
Tot signis unum petitur caput? unde cruoris 
Ista sitis? geminum cceli sibi vindicat axem, 


Et nullum vult esse parem.  Succumbere poscit 


Cuncta sibi. Regit Italiam, Libyenque coercet : 


Hispanis Gallisque jubet. Non orbita Solis, 
Non illum natura capit. Quascunque paravit 
Hic Augustus opes, &, quas post bella recepit, 
Solus habet. Possessa semel non reddere curat. 


Scilicet ille quidem tranquilla pace fruatur : 


Nos premat obsidio? quid partem invadere tentat? 


Deseret Illyricos fines; Eoa remittat 


145 


. 150 


155 


160 


89 


He passed the doors that to the palace led, 205 
And, mixing menace, to Arcadius said : 


* By all your brother's majesty sublime, 
* Who sways his sceptre in the WEsTERN clime ;— 
* By that great parent, whose transcendant fame 
* A seat secured him in th’ ethereal frame ;— 210 
* O flow’r of youth! allow me to implore 
* Protection from the sword imbrued with gore? 
** Save, save me! pray, from Stilicho's fell rage : 
'* All Gaul’s advancing, ready to engage ; 
“ The nations limited by Tethys’ foam : 215 
* E'en those (if such) beyond the Britons’ home: 
* At me alone the whole united aim; 
* Who would suppose for this such armies came?— 
“ So large a force to lop a single head ?— 
“ From whence this thirst of blood, by which they're led? 
220 
“ He claims the universe from pole to pole, 
* And, freed from rivals, will the world control. 
* O’er Italy he bears despotick sway ; 
.. * And Libya to his tyranny gives way ; 

** 'T'he Gauls and Spaniards, of his yoke, complain: 225 
* Him Phoebus’ course nor NATURE's bounds restrain ; 
** The treasures heaped by Theodosius’ hand, 

* And conquests made, are now at his command; 
Th full possession, he no wish has shown, 
** To render back the rights of Czsar’s throne. 230 
Though he the fruits of tranquil peace enjoys, 
* While in these walls a siege, our cares, employs, 
* Where has he carried not oppression’s law? 
* Let, from th’ Illyrian confines, bim, withdraw ; 
M 


90 


Agmina; fraternas ex sequo dividat hastas ; 

Nec sceptri tantum fueris, sed militis, heres. 
Quod si dissimulas nostre succurrere morti, 

Nec prohibere paras: Manes & sidera testor, 
Heec cervix non sola cadet. Miscebitur alter 
Sanguis, nec Stygias ferar incomitatus ad umbras, 
Nec inea securus ridebit funera victor. 

Hec ubi: dictatur facinus, missusque repente 


Qui ferat extortas invito principe voces. 


Interea Stilico jam lzetior hoste propinquo, 
Nec multo spatii distantibus equore vallis, 
Pugnandi cupidas accendit voce cohortes. 
Armeniis frons leva datur; per cornua Gallos 
Dexteriora locat. Spumis ignescere frena, 
Pulveris extolli nimbos, lateque videres 
Surgere purpureis undantes anguibus hastas, 
Serpentumque vago ccelum sevire volatu. 
Implet Thessaliam ferri nitor, antraque docti 
Cornipedis, teneroque amnis reptatus Achilli, 
Et nemus (Eteeum radiat, clamore nivalis 


Ossa tonat, pulsoque fragor geminatur Olympo. 


165 


170 


175 


180 


91 


* Return the EAsTERN armies, and divide, 935 
** Between the brothers, troops their father’s pride ; 

* Nor be you solely with the sceptre seen, 

* But take to arms :—assume the soldier's mien. 

* Yet should you hesitate to give me aid, 

*€ "And act like one, of Stilicho afraid, - 940 
* Bear witness, MANEs :—stars of light, I call: 

* This head, I swear, alone shall never fall ; 

" Another's blood with mine shall mingled be ; 

* The Stygian shades not singly will I see ; 

* Nor shall his laurels safely him adorn, B45 
* Who treats my fun'ral obsequies with scorn." 


Tuis said, he dictated the charge required ; 
With sudden haste a messenger retired ; 
The odious orders, thus at length possessed, 
And wrested from the prince, were forward pressed. 250 


Howe’eR, as Stilicho approached the foe, 
His breast with rapt'rous joy began to glow ; 
À narrow space between the camps appeared : 
The hero's voice his eager cohort's cheered ; 
Th’ Armenians on the left :—Gauls held the right :—955 
The noble coursers' reins with foam were white :—— 
Thick clouds of dust obscured the beams of day: 
Rich purple serpents o'er the lances lay, 
And floated in the air :—the glitt'ring arms 
Filled Thessaly with terrible alarms ; 260 
Sage Chiron’s grot; the young Achilles’ stream, 
Where first his eyes beheld the solar beam. 
Th’ CEtean wood a glowing aspect wore, 
And snowy Ossa thundered with the roar ; 

M 2 


92 


Intumuit virtus, & lucis prodigus arsit 

Impetus. Haud illos rupes, haud alta vetarent 
Flumina. Precipiti stravissent omnia cursu. 
His si tunc animis acies collata fuisset, 

Prodita non tantas vidisset Grecia clades : 
Oppida semoto Pelopeia Marte vigerent : 
Starent Arcadie, starent Lacedeemonis, arces: 
Non mare fumasset geminum flagrante Corintho, 
Nec fera Cecropias traxissent vincula matres. 
Illa dies potuit nostris imponere finem 

Cladibus, & sceleris caussas auferre futuri. 
Invida, proh, quantum rapuit Fortuna triumphum. 
Inter equos, interque tubas mandata feruntur. 
Regia, & armati veniunt ductoris ad aures. 
Obstupuit. Simul ira virum, simul obruit ingens 
Moeror, & ignavo tantum licuisse nocenti 
Miratur. Dubios anceps sententia volvit 
Eventus : peragat pugnas, an fortia coepta 
 Deserat? Illyricis ardet succurrere damnis: 


185 : 


190 


195 


200 


93 


Through high Olympus spread the boist’rous sound, 265 
Which with redoubled echoes rang around. 


Eacs virtuous breast with noble fervour glowed, 
And, prodigal of life, such ardour showed, 
That neither lofty rocks nor rivers deep 
Had proved sufficient back their steps to keep : 270 
All forward would have rushed ; and if their swords, 
While thus disposed, had pressed the savage hordes, 
. Greece, sacrificed by treason, ne’er had viewed 
Such ravages and bloody scenes pursued ; 
The cities, Pelops built, would still remain, 275 
Unhurt by Mars' fell, desolating stain ; 
Arcadia's ramparts :—Lacedemon’s wall, 
Might yet be seen ;—and Corinth, in her fall, 
Had ne'er two seas with flames of light o'erspread, 
Nor Athens’ matrons been in fetters led ; 280 
The day had terminated, through our climes, 
The rage of war, and hindered future crimes. 
Ah! envious of the laurels by us worn, 
What triumphs from our bands has Fortune borne! 


'Mrp» eager coursers and the trumpets’sound, 285 
The royal mandate passed the tented ground, 
And reached the chief in arms, who stood distressed : 
Alternate grief and anger filled his breast ; 
He wondered how such favour, from the throne, 
Should to a guilty dastard-wretch be shown ; 290 
Within his mind each circumstance he viewed, 
And doubtful felt the course to be pursued ; 
T'avenge Illyricum he much desired, 
Yet feared to act but as the prince required ; 


94 


Preceptis obstare timet.  Reverentia frangit 

Virtutis stimulos. Hinc publica commoda suadent, 
Hinc metus invidie. Tandem indignatus ad astra 
Extollit palmas, & ab imo pectore fatur : 205 


Numina Romanis necdum satiata ruinis, 
Si juvat imperium penitus de stirpe revelli, 
Uno si placuit deleri ssecula lapsu, 
Si piget humani generis; prorumpat in arva 
Libertas effrzena maris, vel limite justo 210 
Devius errantes Pha£thon confundat habenas. 
‘ Cur per Rufinum geritur? procumbere mundum 
Hoc auctore pudet. Mediis revocamur ab armis, 
Proh dolor, & strictos deponere cogimur enses, 
Vos arsure urbes, perituraque meenia testor. - 213 
Cedo equidem, & miserum permitto casibus orbem. 
Flectite signa, duces. Redeat jam miles Eois. - 
Parendum.  Taceantlitui. Prohibete sagittas. 
Parcite contiguo, Rufinus precipit, hosti, 


His dictis, omnes una fremuere manipli : 290 
Quantum non Italo percussa Ceraunia fluctu : .. 
Quantum non medidis elisa tonitrua.Coris. 


95 


Respect for laws -his fervent wish enchained :— 295 
Now publick good,—now dread of envy reigned, 

Within his heart : at length, with hands compressed, 

He thus, indignantly, the Hzav’ns addressed: 


* O Gops! not satiated with Roman wo; 
* If pleased you feel this empire to o'erthrow:— 300 
* At once to raze the work of ages past :— 
** If human kind deserve the baleful blast, 
* Let seas o'erwhelm ; or Phaeton again, 
“ Confounding reins, stray through the azure plain. 
* What !—is Rufinus to achieve the stroke, 305 
* And ALL, without a blush, to bear his yoke? 
“ O grief !—Are we to quit the tented field, 
* Our swords, prepared for battle, up to yield ? 
* Ye cities, doomed to flames! on you I call: 
* My sorrows witness, ramparts, in your fall ! 310 
* | bend howe'er! and, 'mid fell horrours hurled, 
“* Resign to fate a miserable world. 
* O leaders! bear your standards far away : 
* Return, let those around, t'wards Morn’s bright ray ; 
* Obedience should pervade the soldier's heart ; 315 
** Be silent, clarioris :—stop the pointed dart :— 
* Respect the enemy that near you stands :— 
* Rufinus orders: such are his commands.” 


On this the cohorts raged with clam'rous heat ;— 
Less noise produee th' Italian waves that beat 390 - 
And wash Ceraulia's rocky summit o'er, 

Or thunders which through rainy Cora roar. 


96 


Secernique negant, ereptaque prelia poscunt ; 
Insignemque ducem populus defendit uterque, 

Et sibi quisque trahit. Magno certatur amore, 225 
Alternamque fidem non illaudata lacessit 


Seditio, talique simul clamore queruritur : 


Quis mihi nudatos enses, quis tela lacertis 
Excutit, & solvi curvatos imperat arcus ? 
Quisnam audet leges vibrato imponere ferro ? 230 
Inflammata semel nescit mitescere virtus. 
Jam mihi barbaricos sitientia pila cruores 
Sponte volant, ultrixque manus mucrone ruenti . 
Ducitur, & siccum gladium vagina recusat. 
Num patiar? semperne Getis discordia nostra 235 
Proderit? en iterum belli civilis imago. 
Quid consanguineas acies, quid dividis olim 
Concordes aquilas? non dissociabile corpus, 
Conjunctumque sumus. Te, quo libet ire, sequemur, 
Te vel Hyperboreo damnatam sidere Thulen, 240 
Te vel ad incensas Libyse comitabor arenas. 
Indorum si stagna petas, rubrique recessus 
Litoris, auriferum veniam poturus Hydaspen. 
Si calcare Notum, secretaque litora Nili 


.Nascentis jubeas, mundum post terga relinquam. 245 


97 


THE troops to separate would not consent : 
For war they asked, and showed their discontent ; 
Alike the East and WEsTERN armies vied, 325 
To keep the chief whose worth had oft been tried ; 
With fond affection each the hero claimed : 
No senseless turbulence their breasts inflamed ; 
ALL anxious for the warriour they preferred, 
With one accord their accents thus were heard : 330 


* THESE swords unsheathed, what strength shall from 
us wrest ? 
* Or who, our hands of darts and bows, devest ? 
* While arms thus glitter, who shall laws impose ?— 
* Once valour's roused, not calm the breast soon grows, 
“ Our arrows, thirsting for BARBARIAN gore, 335 
* The liquid air spontaneously explore ; 
* ‘Th’ avenging arms, from hands unconscious, fly ; 
* And scabbards close 'gainst swords remaining dry. 
* Why suffer this disgrace ?—Shall our disputes 
* Produce eternally, to Getz, fruits? 340 
* Of civil war once more a prospect view ! 
^ Why armies sever, to each other true? 
* Harmonious bands, by blood and friendship tied : 
* Not corps contrarious, but in ALL allied. 
* Well follow wheresoe'er you wish to go :—- 345 
* To Thulé, covered with eternal snow ; 
* Or Libya's burning sands, or India's shores ; 
* The Rep SrA's banks :—or rich Hydaspes’ ores. 
* At your commands the Notus’ plains we'll tread, 
* Or penetrate where Nile conceals his head ; 350 
* The universe alone shall prove the bound :— 
'' Where'er your tent, —Ov& Country shall be round." 








98 


Et quocumque loco Stilico tentoria figet. 

Hic patria est. Dux inde vetat: Desistite, queso, 
Atque avidam differte manum. Cadat iste minacis 
Invidie cumulus. Non est victoria tanti, 

Ut videar vicisse mihi. Vos, fida juventus, 250 
Ite mei quondam socii. Nec plura locutus ' 
Flexit iter ; vacuo qualis discedit hiatu 

Impatiens remeare leo, quem plurima cuspis, 

Et pastorales pepulerunt igne caterver, 

Inclinatque jubas, demissaque lumina velat, 255 
Et trepidas moesto rimatur murmure silvas. 

Ut sese legio vidit disjuncta relinqui, 

Ingentem tollit gemitum, galeasque solutis 

Humectat lacrimis, pressamque morantia vocem 
Thoracum validos pulsant suspiria nexus. 260 
Tradimur, heu, tantumque sequi prohibemur amorem, 
Exclamant, spernisne tuas Dux optime dextras, 

Quas tibi victrices toties Bellona probavit? 

Nos adeo viles? adco felicior axis 

Hesperius, meruit qui te rectore teneri ? 265 


Quid nobis patriam, quid cara revisere tandem 


99 


* Give oer, I pray now,” Stilicho replied ; 
* Those shafts of eager vengeance lay aside; 
* Let Envy’s pile of menaces expire: 355 
** The victor's wreath I cannot thus desire ; 
* For me alone the laurel would be thought, 
* And such a triumph never shall be sought ; 
** Ye faithful youths: companions brave, adieu !”— 
This said,—reluctantly he then withdrew. 360 


So when a famished lion, seeking prey, 
Is forced to turn and measure back his way, 
By num'rous shepherds, who large torches wield, 
To guard their flocks from beasts that range the field : 
He bends his neck to earth, and shuts his. eyes, 365 
And, loudly roaring, through the forest flies. . 


Tue legions thus resigned heaved sighs profound ; 
With flowing tears their eyes the helmets drowned ; 
The voice, by sobs, was stifled in the breast, 
Which, strongly throbbing, ’gainst the armour pressed.370 


* Aras! we are forsaken then!” they cried ; 
“ And him we love,—to follow too denied ; 
“ O best of gen'rals! troops do you disdain, 
** That battles oft Bellona taught to gain ?— 
* For you we vanquished ;—have we this deserved, 375 
* ‘Who, from your conqu'ring standards, never swerved ? 
* Above the East, what has th’ Hesperian clime, 
* ‘To merit government from one sublime ?— 
* What use to see again our country dear ?— 
* Or pledge of love or household gods to cheer: ? 380 
N 2 


100 


Pignora, dilectosve juvat coluisse penates ? 

Te sine dulce nihil. Jam formidata tyranni 
Tempestas subeunda mihi: qui forte nefandas 

Jam parat insidias: qui nos aut turpibus Hunnis, 
Aut impacatis famulos prestabit Alanis. 
Quanquam non adeo robur defecerit omne, 
Tantave gestandi fuerit penuria ferri, 

'Tu licet occiduo maneas sub cardine Solis, 

- Tu mihi dux semper, Stilico, nostramque vel absens 
Experiere fidem. Dabitur tibi debita pridem 


Victima. Promissis longum placabere sacris, : 


Ld 


Tristior /Emoniis miles digressus ab oris 
Tangebat Macetum fines, murosque subibat 
"Thessalonica tuos. Sensu dolor hzret in alto. 
Abditus, & tacitas vindicte prestruit iras, 
Spectaturque favens odiis locus, aptaque leto 
Tempora, nec quisquam tanta de pube repertus, 
Proderet incautis qui corda minantia verbis. 
Que non posteritas, quz non mirabitur setas 
Tanti consilium vulgi potuisse taceri, 

Aut facinus tam grande tegi? mentisque calorem 


Non sermone vise, non inter pocula rumpi? 


275 


280 


285 


101 


* From Stilicho withdrawn, adieu delight ! 

** The tyrant on our heads will vent his spite; 

** Perhaps already horrid snares are laid, 

** And we, to hateful Huns, shall slaves be made ; 

“¢ Or, with th’ implacable Alani placed, 885 
* Drag heavy chains, eternally disgraced. 

** But are our spirits sunk, our nerves unstrung, 

^* "That thus, 'mid misery, we should be flung? 

* In WESTERN climes, where sets the Star of Day, 
* Tf you are destined, Stilicho, to stay, 390 
Still as our gen’ral we shall look on you: 

“ However distant, —to our honour true. 

'* The promised victim shall at last be found, 

“ And, in thetyrant's blood, your rage be drowned.” 


THE OnrzNT soldiers, stung with poignant pain, 395 
Left, with regret at length, th’ Hemonian plain, 
And, reaching Macedonia’s fertile falls, 
They entered soon Thessalonica’s walls. 
Each breast with smothered rage was overspread, 
And flames of vengeance secretly were fed. 400 
The favoured place of death they viewed with hate, 
And period when the wretch should meet his fate. 
Not one was found among such num'rous youth, 
Whose lips unwarily disclosed the truth ; 
Posterity will marvel this to hear, 405 
And future ages all amazed appear :— 
A secret by such multitudes concealed ! 
Nor high nor low the mystery revealed ; 
Nor warmth of heart, nor babble on the way, 
Nor even banquets could their tongues betray, 410 


102 


ZEqualis tantam tenuit constantia turbam, 

Et fuit arcanum populo. Percurritur Hebrus, 290 
Deseritur Rhodope, Threcumque per ardua tendunt, 
Donce ad Herculei perventum nominis urbem. 


Ut cessisse ducem, propius venisse cohortes, 
Cognita Rufino: magna cervice triumphat, 
Omnia tuta ratus, sceptrumque capessere fervet, — 295 
Et conjuratos accendit voce clientes : 
Vicimus: expulimus. Facilis jam copia regni. 
Nullus ab hoste timor. Quis enim quem poscere solum 
Horruit, hunc tanto munitum milite vincat ? 
Quis ferat armatum, quem non superavit inermem? 300 
I nunc, exitium nobis meditare remotus 
Incassum, Stilico. Dum nos lengissima tellus 
Dividat, & mediis Nereus interstrepat undis, 
Alpinas transire tibi me sospite rupes 
Haud dabitur, Jaculis illinc me figere tenta. 305 





103 


* 


But equal perseverance each maintained, 
And not a hint the people from them gained. 


Tuv passed the Hebrus; Rhodopé's white face; 
Then moved with steady steps through rocky Thirace; 
And to the city* gates with ardour came, 415 
Which took from mighty Hercules its name. 


Tue chief s retreat, and cohorts’ drawing high, 
Rufinus learned, which raised his spirits high ; 
All safe supposing, he a project planned, , 
To wrest the sceptre from the prince’s hand. 420 
The base supporters, who around-him pressed, — ' 
And with him leagued, the traitor thus addressed : 


* FgrENDS, we have conquered and expelled the foe ; 
* *Tis facile now the throne to overthrow j 
“ No more alarms the enemy will spread : 425 
* Alone, I've made him bénd his haughty head ; 
* And, thus encircled with a host renowned, 
* An easy conquest should our arms be found ? 
* If when defenceless, he against us failed, 
‘© Should we, "mid armies, fear to be assailed ? 430 
* Go, Stilicho, in distant chimes, prepare 
** Thy useless trammel and ignoble snare ; 
* While such extent of country us divides, 
" And Nereus intervenes with stofiny tides, 
* Thou shalt not Alps, while I've existence, climb, 435 
** To show'r thy arrows here a future time ; 


* Constantinople, formerly Byzantium, which Hercules is said to 
have dedicated to the memory of his companion Bysas. 








104' 


Quere ferox ensem, qui nostra ad menia tendi 
Possit ab Italia. Non te documenta priorum, 
Non exempla vetant? Quis par conatus adire 
Has jactat vitasse manus? Detrusimus orbe 
'Te medio, tantisque simul spoliavimus armis. 
Nunc epulas tempus, socii, nunc larga parare 
Munera, donandumque novis legionibus aurum. 
Opportuna meis oritur lux crastina votis. 
Quod nólit, Rex ipse velit, jubeatque coactus 
In partem mihi regna dari. Contingat in uno 
Privati fugisse modum, crimenque tyranni. 


Talibus acclamant dictis infame nocentum 
Concilium, qui perpetuis crevere rapinis, 
Et quos una facit Rufino caussa sodales, 
Illicitum duxisse nihil. Delicta fuére 
Nexus amicitie. Jam jam connubia leti 
Despondent aliena sibi, frustraque vicissim 


Promittunt quas quisque petat, quas devoret urbes. 


Coperat humanos alto sopire labores 


Nox gremio, pigrasque sopor diffuderat alas. 


310 


315 


320 


325 


105 


** Nor seek a sword which, from th’ Italian shore, 

* Shall hither reach to be imbrued with gore. 

* Can no examples, drawn from days of old, | 
* Nor recent lessons, thy presumption hold ? 440 
* With similar assurance, who would say, 

* He managed from these hands to get away? 

* From half the universe we've thrust him out, 

^ And gained at once as many warriours stout. 

* Now, now's the time, companions, to rejoice, 445 
** "Mid social merriment and banquets choice : 

** To lavish presents, and large sums to show'r 

* On thosenew legions who support our pow'r. 

* "To-morrow's dawn my wish will bring to light ; 
“And, though displeasing to the prince's sight, 450 
** [ shall succeed :—partake of sov’reign sway ;— 

“ "The tyrant's crimes escape;—yet Nor Onxv." 


Ar this address, the monsters, standing round, 
Made, with their plaudits, ev'ry quarter sound : 
Fell wretches! whom the publick spoil had fed; 455 
Congenial comrades! by Rufinus led ; 
One cause united them with heart and hand :— 
Nought was unlawful, when they could command! 
Alike immersed in crimes of deepest dye, 
They held together with the closest tie. 460 
New genial joys they feadly hoped to taste : 
What one desired, the othéfs fixed in haste ; 
The cities, as ideally they rose, 
Were vainly parcelled out as fancy chose. 


NicnrT had the weary mortal plunged in sleep, 465 
And o'er the universe spread darkness deep : 


Q P 
., 


106 


Tile diu curis animum stimulantibus egrum 
Labitur in somnos. Vix toto corde quierat, 
Ecce videt diras alludere protinus umbras, 

Quas dedit ipse neci : quarum, que clarior, una 
Visa loqui: proh surge toro : quid plurima volvis 
Anxius? hsc requiem rebus finemque labori 
Allatura dies. Omni jam plebe redibis 

Altior, & leti manibus portabere vulgi. 

Has canit ambages : occulto fallitur ille 

Omine, nec capitis sentit preesagia fixi. 

Jam summum radiis stringebat Lucifer Zmum, 
Festinamque rotam solito properantior urget, 
Tandem Rufini visurus funera Titan. 

Desiluit stratis, denseeque capacia turbe 

Atria regifico jussit splendere paratu 

Exceptura dapes, &, quod post vota daretur, 
Inscribi propriis aurum fatale figuris. 


Ipse salutatum reduces post prelia turmas 


330 


335 


340 


107 


Rufinus, with a load of cares oppressed, 

No rest could find, such anguish filled his breast ; 

Lo! suddenly dread spectres met his sight, 

Who, by the monster, had been robbed of light. 470 
One, whose resplendence some importance spoke, . 
And seemed superior, thus the silence broke : 


* Rovusr! leave thy couch ; nor longer think of grief: 
* The coming day will bring thee full relief ; . 
** Thy labours then shall end, and thou wilt rise — 475 
* Above the vulgar, who, with sparkling eyes, 
* Expressive of their joy, will bear thee high, 
* And, o’er their shoulders, raise thee t'wards the sky." 


Tuts said, the omen, wrapped in words obscure, 
Deceived the wretch, who thought his blessings sure, 480 
Nor, 'mid the ruist that round his senses spread, 
Perceived the presage pendent o'er his head. 


On Hemus’ top the Star of Mons's bright ray 
Now shone, and pressed the rapid wheels of Day ; 
So, with his coursers, fervency displayed, 483 
Te view at length Rufinus prostrate laid. 

The monster left his couch, and gave command 

Large rooms to furnish for a num'rous band ; 

Where noble banquets might be served in state, 

And his own image ornament the plate, 490 
On gold engraved, which proudly would be shown, 

And, at the feast's conclusion, be their own, 


WHEN, from th’ embattled field, the troops returned, 
At once to welcome them Rufinus burned ; 
O 2 


108 


Jam regale tumens, & principe celsior, ibat, 

B Collaque femineo jactabat mollia gestu, 345 
Imperii certus: tegeret ceu purpura dudum 

Corpus, & ambirent ardentes tempora gemme, 


Urbis ab angusto tractu, qua vergit in Austrum, 
Planities vicina patet. Nam cetera Pontus 
Circuit, exiguo dirimi se tramite passus. 350 
Hioc ultrix acies ornatu fulgida Martis 
Explicuit cuneos. Pedites in parte sinistra 
Consistunt : equites illic poscentia cursum 
Ora reluctantur pressis sedare lupatis. 
Hic alii sgevum cristato vertice nutant, 355 
Et tremulos humeris gaudent vibrare colores, 
Quos operit, formatque chalybs. Conjuncta per artem 
Flexilis inductis animatur lamina membris, 
Horribilis visu.  Credas simulacra moveri 
Ferrea, cognatoque viros spirare metallo. 360 
Par vestitus equis, Ferrata fronte minantur, 
Ferratosque levant securi vulneris armos, 
Diviso stat quisque loco. Metuenda voluptas 
Cernenti, pulcerque timor; spirisque remissis 


Mansuescunt varii vento cessante dracones. 564 


109 


With ostentatious pride he forward pressed, 495 
And seemed above the prince to raise his crest. 

He moved his head with soft, luxurious air, 

As if the empire were his certain share, 

And long the purple had his shoulders graced, 

While on his brow a diadem were placed. 500 


Nor far from where the city proudly stands, 
The SouTrHERN BREEZE, a spacious plain*, commands; 
The other side the Pontus’ wave defends, 
In which a narrow neck of land extends. 
There, clothed in martial pomp, with armour bright, 505 
The troops, for vengeance armed, engaged the sight. 
Upon the left, the infantry in force : 
The right the horse impatient for the course. 
Some their fierce tufts let loosely float in air : 
The trembling shadows played amid the glare, 510 
From polished steel that on their shoulders pressed, 
And closely joined around from back to breast : 
Plates bent, the work of art, so nicely fixed, 
That seemingly therewith life intermixed ; 
Th' astonished eye might iron statues view, 515 
Which moved and breathed as if to NATURE true; 
'The horses clad the same :—with steel the head ;— 
Their sides, to guard from wounds, with armour spread. 
The warriours stood admired by all around : 
The lookers on delights and terrours found ; 520 
The waving serpents, as the air grew still, 
Within the banners' folds reclined at will. 


* The field of Mars, before the palace of Hebdomon, about a mile 
from Constantinople, 


110 


Augustus veneranda prior vexilla salutat. 

Rufinus sequitur, quo fallere cuncta solebat 

Callidus affatu, devotaque brachia laudat 

Nomine quémque vocans : natosque patresque reversis: 

' Nuntiat incolumes. Illi, dum plurima ficto 370 
Certatim sermone petunt, extendere longos 

A tergo flexus insperatoque suprema 

Circuitu sociare parant: decrescere campus 

Incipit, & clipeis in se redeuntia junctis | . 
Curvo paulatim sinuantur cornua ductu.  . 375 
Sic ligat immensa virides indagine saltus 

Venator. Sic attonitos ad litora pisces 

ZEquoreus populator agit, rarosque plagarum 

Contrahit anfractus, & hiantes colligit oras. | 
Excluduní alios. Cingi se fervidus ille 380 
Nescit adhuc, graviterque apprensa veste morantem 
Inerepat Augustum : scandat sublime tribunal : 
Participem sceptri, socium declaret honoris. 

Cum subito stringunt gladios, vox desuper ingens 
Infremuit : Nobis etiam, deterrime, nobis | 885 
Sperasti famulas imponere posse catenas ? 


Unde redi nescis? patiarne audire satelles, 


111 


To greet the standards of imperial fame, 
Arcadius first, and then Rufinus, came. 
Accustomed to deceive with flatt'ring phrase, 525 
Upon the troops the latter lavished praise, 
The soldiers called by name, and cheered their mind, 
With news of children dear and parents kind. 
While some were pleased these soothing sounds to hear, 
The troops were closing in Rufinus’ rear ; 530 
The fianks wheeled inward, and compressed the field, 
"Till, in a circle formed, shield touched on shield. 


'Tuvs round the lofty, verdant forest's space, 
Extensive toils the wily hunters place; 
And those who, plund'ring OcEAN of his store, 535 
Th’ astonished fish drive captive to the shore: 
Together draw the snares and trammels wide, 
And close the winding nets from side to side. 


TueE rest were all excluded from the spot : 
Rufinus, unsuspicious of a plot, 540 
And full of self-importance in his look, 
Arcadius by the royal mantle took ; 
Blamed his delays ; and wanted to ascend 
The high tribunal, equal pow'r to blend: 
Th’ imperial sceptre with the prince to own, 545 
And be declared the partner of his throne. 
But on a sudden, swords were raised around, 
And thus was heard a voice* of thund'ring sound : 


* Wrercn! dostthouthink like slaves to give us chains! 
* And know’stthou not, we come from famed campaigns? 


* Gainas gave the signal of death. 


112 


Qui leges aliis, libertatemque reduxi? 

Bis domitum civile nefas, bis rupimus Alpes. 

Tot nos bella docent nulli servire tyranno. 
Diriguit. Spes nulla fuge. Seges undique ferri 
Circumfusa micat. Dextra levaque revinctus 
Heesit, & ensiferz stupuit mucrone corone. 

Ut fera, que: montes nuper dimisit avitos, 
Altorumque exul nemorum, damnatur arene 
Muneribus, commota ruit: vir murmure contra 
Hortatur, nixusque genu venabula tendit. 

Illa pavet strepitus, cuneosque erecta theatri 
Respicit, & tanti miratur sibila vulgi. 

Unus per medios audendi pronior ense 

Prosilit exerto, dictisque, & vulnere torvus 

Hac petit, hac Stilico, quem jactas pellere, dextra 


Te ferit : hoc absens invadit viscera ferro. 


390 


395 


400 


113 


* Gave laws and liberty where'er we moved? 

* O'er civil discords twice we victors proved :— 
* As often passed the Alps; ànd will not now, 
** Thus taught by wars, to tyrant-orders bow." 


THE monster felt dismay :—no hopes of flight :— 555 
On ev'ry side swords glitter'd to the sight : 
Surrounded thoroughly from right to left, 
He stóod amazed, as if of sense bereft ; 
Where'er he looked, th' encircling pointed arms 
Glared in his eyes and filled him with alarms. 560 


So when a savage beast, but lately caught, 
And, from its native haunts and mountains, brought, 
Within the amphitheatre is shown, 
Darts to and fro', amid distractions thrown : 
Th' opposing man gives animating cheer, 565 
And, knee on earth, presents his threat'ning spear. 
But, lifting up its head, the creature eyes, 
With signs of fright, the num'rous crowds that rise, 
Tier over tier, and wonders at the sound 
Of clam'rous tongues reechoing around. 570 


FonrH from the ranks a valiant warriour flew, 
With wounds o’erspread:—his sword he waved to view ; 
His looks disclosed the rage that filled his breast, 
And thus aloud Rufinus he addressed :- 


** Though Stilicho, thou boastest, has retired, — 575 
* By thee repulsed, his cause this breast has fired ; 
'* While he's away, I'll lend him willing aid, 
And, with this sword, thou prostrate shalt be laid.” 
P 


114 


Sic fatur, meritoque latus transverberat ictu. | 

Felix illa manus, talem que prima cruorem 405. 
Hauserit, & fessi poenam libaverit orbis. 

Mox omnes fodiunt hastis, artusque trementes 

Dilaniant, uno tot corpore pila tepescunt, 

Et non infecto puduit mucrone reverti. 

Hi vultus avidos, & adhuc spirantia vellunt * 410 
Lumina: truncatos alii rapuere lacertos. 

Amputat ille pedes, humerum quatit ille solutis 
Nexibus: hic fracti resecat curvamina dorsi. 

Hic jecur, hic cordis fibras, hic pandit anhelas 

Pulmonis latebras. Spatium non invenit ira, 415 
Nec locus est odiis. Consumpto funere vix tum 
Deseritur, sparsumque perit per tela cadaver. 

Sic mons Aonius rubuit, cum Penthea ferrent 

Menades, aut subito mutatum Actezona cornu 

Traderet insanis Latonia visa Molossis. 420 
Criminibusne tuis speras Fortuna mederi? 

Et male donatum certas sequare favorem 


Suppliciis? una tot millia morte rependis ? 





115 ^w 


On which, within his side, he plunged the steel, 

And made him, at a blow, death's torments feel. 580 
Blessed hand ! that first such horrid blood should draw, 
And free the weary world from direful law ! 

Straight ev'ry lance was in the body thrust ; 

The mangled limbs lay quiv’ring in the dust ; 

Timbrue their jav lins, all the circle strained, 585 
Ashamed to leave the plain with swords unstained. 

His avaricious mien was blurred with gore, 

And from the sockets e’en his eyes they tore ; 

The sinewy arms were severed from the corse :— 


The feet lopt off :—the shoulders wrenched by force. 590. 


Some broke the back, while others oped the chest : 

This seized the liver :—that the heart possessed ; 

The lungs were from their close recesses rent ; 

Rage scarcely space could find dire hate to vent; - 
Reluctantly they left the bloody ground, 595 
The body by the lances scattered round. 


Sucu ruddy stains th’ Aonian hill displayed, 
When Pentheus' limbs the Menades conveyed ; 
Or chaste Diana, by resentment led, 
With branching horns bedecked Acteon's head, 600 
And left him to his hungry hounds a prey, 
For letting eyes impertinently stray, 


Wuat!—Wouldst thou, Fortune, thus thy crimes 
efface? ! | 
And balance favours past against disgrace ? 
Dost thou compensate, by a single death, 605 
For thousands wantonly deprived of breath? 
P2 


"V 


BS . 


116 


Eversis agedum Rufinum divide terris. 

Da caput Odrysiis, truncum mereantur Achivi. 495 
Quid reliquis dabitur? nec singula membra peremtis 
Sufficiunt populis.  Vacuo plebs obvia muro, 

Jam secura, ruit. Senibus non obstitit ztas, 
Virginibusve pudor. Viduse, quibus ille maritos 
Abstulit, orbatseeque ruunt ad gaudia matres, 430 
Insultantque alacres, Laceros juvat ire per artus, 
Pressaque calcato vestigia sanguine tingi. 

Nec minus assiduis flagrant elidere saxis 

Prodigiale caput, quod jam de cuspide summa 

Nutabat, digna rediens ad menia pompa, 4345 
Dextera quinetiam ludo concessa vagatur 

/Era petens, fraudesque animi persolvit avari 

Terribili lucro, vivosque imitata retentus | 

Cogitur adductis digitos inflectere nervis. 


Desinat elatis quisquam confidere rehus, «40 
Instabilesque Deos, ac lubrica Numina discat. 
Illa manus, que sceptra sibi gestanda parabat; 
Cujus se toties submisit ad oscula supplex 
Nobilitas, inhumata diu, miseroque revulsa 


AIT 


Well! well !—Rufinus ‘mong those states divide, 

Where devastation spread on ev'ry side: 

Give Thrace the head ;—let Greece the trunk obtain ;— 
But what for other districts will remain ?>— 610 
The severed limbs would not enough be found 

For all the mjured provinces around. 


Now terrour over, none at home remained ; 
Nor age the old, nor shame the maid restrained ; 
The widows wretched, by the monster made, 615 
And mothers, he deprived of children’s aid, 

Rushed to the plain, their hearts with joy elate, 

And on the guilty relicks wreaked their hate. 

O'er scattered limbs with fond delizht they moved, 

And, trampling in his blood, their pleasure proved. 620 
His hideous head was t'wards the walls conveyed,  . 
Raised on a spear, "mid ridicule displayed ; 

Which, waved around with ostentation meet, 

They sought with massy stones to pelt and beat. 

Een his right hand was borne from door to door, — 625 
To supplicate, in jest, the golden ore, 
And made to act the avaricious part, 

With hideous merriment and horrid art : 

The nerves, forced back, their nat’ral motions showed, 
And bending fingers grasped the gifts bestowed. 630 


Desist then, mortals! confidence to place 
Jn what appears to wear a prosp'rous face ; 
No more rely on fickle gods around : 
Divine protection is inconstant found. 
That hand which at the royal sceptre aimed : 635 
Whose favour oft obsequious nobles claimed, 


118 


Corpore feralem questum post fata poposcit. 445 
Adspiciat quisquis nimium sublata secundis 

Colla gerit. Triviis calcandus spargitur ecce, 

Qui sibi pyramidas, qui non cedentia templis 

Ornatura suos extruxit culmina Manes, 

Et, qui Sidonio velari creditus ostro, |. 450 
Nudus pascit aves. Jacet en, qui possidet orbem, 
Exigue telluris inops, & pulvere raro 

Per partes tegitur, nusquam totiesque sepultus. 

Senserunt convexa necem, tellusque nefandum 

Amolitur onus. Jam respirantibus astris, 455 
Infernos gravat umbra lacus. Pater /Eacus horret, 
Intrantemque. etiam latratu Cerberus urget. 

Tunc anime, quas ille fero sub jure peremit, 
Circumstant, nigrique trahunt ad judicis urnam, 

Infesto fremitu. Veluti pastoris in ora 460 
Commote glomerantur apes, qui dulcia raptu 

Mella trahit, pennasque cient, & spicula tendunt, 





119 


And pressed against their lips, respect to pay :: 

Which, for a length of time, unburied lay, 

And, from a mangled corpse, men fiercely tore, 

Was forced, "mid scorn, compassion to implore. 640 
Behold this wretch, whoe’er of rank feels vain, 

His clay-cold limbs lie scatter'd o'er the plain! 

He, who raised pyramids, with pride elate ; 

Who scarcely yielded to the gods in state ; 

Who lofty temples built, most sumptuous made, 645 
Where he at last expected to be laid ; 

Who hoped Sidonian purple to display :— 

Lo! naked left, to birds becomes a prey ! 

He, who the empire grasped, abandoned lies, 

In want of earth to hide him from the skies, 650 
A little dust alone his fragments gain : 

No common sepulcre the whole obtain. 


Rurinvs’ death the vaulted regions knew, 
And EanrTH aside the impious burden threw; 
The stars took breath ;—o'er Styx the monster's shade,655 
To dreary Tartarus was now conveyed. 
With horrour /Eacus the wretch beheld, 
And hideous Cerberus astonished yelled. 
The souls of numbers, who had victims proved 
To his fell crimes, in crowds around him moved, 660 
And to the judge's seat conveyed him straight, 
With murmurs loud, expressive of their hate. 


So bees, enraged by shepherds of the plain, 
Who plunder honey from the hoarded gain, 
Protrude their stings and flutter o'er the door, 665 
That enters to the dear, delicious store ; 


120 


Et tenuis saxi per propugnacula cinctz 
Rimosam patriam, dilectaque pumicis antra 


Defendunt, pronoque favos examine velant. 465 


Est locus, infaustis quo conciliuntur in unum 
Cocytos Phlegethonque vadis: mamcenus uterque 
Alveus. Hic volvit lacrimas ; hic igne redundat. 
Turris per geminos flammis vicinior amnes 
Porrigitur, solidoque rigens adamante sinistrum 470 
Proluit igne latus. Dextra Cocytia findit 
JEquora, triste gemens, & fletu concita plangit. 
Huc post emeritam mortalia secula vitam 
Deveniunt. Ibi nulla manent discrimina fati, 
Nullus honos, vanoque exutum nomine Regem 475 
Proturbat plebeius egens, — Qusssitor in alto 
Conspicuus solio pertentat crimina Minos, 
Et justis dirimit sontes: quos nolle fateri 
Viderit, ad rigidi transmittit verbera fratris. 
Nam juxta Rhadamantus agit. Cum gesta superni 480: 
Curriculi, totosque diu perspexerit actus ; 
Exeequat damnum meritis, & muta ferarum 
Cogit vincla pati. Truculentos ingerit ursis, 
Predonesque lupis. Fallaces vulpibus addit. 
At qui desidia semper vinoque gravatus. 485 


121: 


Defend the cells that grace their sweet repair, 
And hover round in swarms with anxious care. 


TurnE hes a fatal spot in realms below, 
Where Phlegethon and black Cocytus flow, 670 
Conjoined in one deep course, ’mid horrours dire: 
This rolls with tears, and ¢hat—dread liquid fire. 
Within these streams, and nearest that of flame, 
There stands a tow'r of adamantine frame; 
The firin deft side the burning waters lave : 675 
The right resists Cocytus’ weeping wave, 
Which with loud murmurs through drear regions roars, 
And, foaming rage, resounds along the shores. 
Here mortals come when life's career is past ; 
Their rank forgot :—without distinctions classed; 680 
The mean plebeian by the monarch moves; 
And royalty an empty title proves. 
Aloft, in solemn state, is Minos foend, 
To judge the sins of those assembled round : 
Probe all the deep recesses of the heart, ' 685 
And, from the guilty, innocence to part. 
Such as he cannot to confession urge, 
He sends to feel his rigid brother's scourge ; 
Beside him Rhadamanthus sits in state, " | 
Who hears whate'er to mortals may relate ; 690 
His rule is equal justice to dispense : 
The forms of beasts the measure of offence; 
To frame of bears the cruel are consigned ; 
In that of wolves the plunderer's confined ; 
And those, who fraud and falsehood make their care, 695. 
Are doomed the cunning fox’s shape to wear. 


142 


Indulgens Veneri voluit torpescere luxu, 

Hunc suis immundi pingues detrudit in artus, 

Qui justo plus esse loquax, arcanaque suevit = 
Prodere, piscosas fertur victurus in undas, 

Ut nimiam pensent eterna silentia vocem. 490 
Quos ubi per varias annis ter mille figuras 

Fgit Lethzeo purgatos flumine ; tandem 

Rursus ad humane revocat primordia forme. 

Tum ‘quoque, dum lites, Stygiique negotia solvit 

Dura fori, veteresque reos ex ordine queerit, 495 
Rufinum procul ecce notat, visuque severo 


Lustrat, & ex imo concussa sede profatur. 


Huc superüm labes, huc insatiabilis auri 
Proluvies, pretioque nihil non ause parato. 
Quodque mihi summum scelus est, huc improbe legum 500 
Venditor, Arctoi stimulator perfide Martis, 
- Cujus ob innümeras strages angustus Averni 
Jam sinus, & plena lassatur portitor alno. 


Quid demens manifesta negas? en pectus inustes 





123 


But sluggards drowned in wine, and such as wade 
Through gress voluptuousness, or sense degrade 

By ways which filth and selfishness combine, 

Are forced to take the forms of grov'ling swine. 700 
The babbler, who has secresy disgraced, í7 
Within the waves, ’mong shoals of fish, is placed ; 
,Condemned to lasting silence to belong, 

In retribution for licentious tongue. 

Through various: transformations having run, 705 
While, thousand years thrice travelled has the sun, 

At length the guilty, plunged in Lethe’s stream, 

Their foriner state are suffered to redeem. 


As thus the judge within the Stygian court, 
Pronounced decrees, stern justice to support, 710 
Rufinus at a distance he beheld : 

With look severe his eyes upon him dwelled ; 
Straight from his lips these accents spread around, 
And Hell's foundations trembled with the sound: 


* HERE! wretch without remorse !—vile dross of gold, 
* By whom dire crimes were ordered :— justice sold ; 
“ Approach !—By thee the villain’s aid was bought, 
.". And, ’gainst thy country, hordes thy influence brought 
“ So many thy fell perfidy has slain, 
^ That Tartarug can scarcely all contain; ^ 720 
.“ "The ferry-man complains, he's weary grown :— 
** Such loads within his boat were never known. 
* Would'st thou thy flagrant wickedness deny ?— 
* The spots upon thy bosom open lie, 
* Which bear those hideous characters impressed, 795 
* ^ And mark the baseness that pervades thy breast, 


Q 2 


124 


l'eformant macyle, vitiisque molevit imego, 505 
Nec sese commissa tegunt. Genus omne doloram 

In te ferrelubet. Dubiotibi pendula rupes 

Immineat lapsu. Volucer te torqueat axis. 

Te refugi fallant latices, atque ore nafanti 

Arescat decepta sitis, dapibusque relictis 510 
In tua mansurus migret precordia vultur. 

Quamquam omnes alii, quos hec tormeta fatigant, 

Pars quota sint, Rufine, tuj; quid tale vel audax 
Fulmine Salmoneus, vel lingua Tantalus egit, 

Aut inconcesso Tityos deliquit amore? 515 
Cunctorum si facta simul jungantur in unum, | 
Precedes numero. Cui tanta piacula quisquam 
Supplicio conferre valet? quid denique dignum 

Omnibus inveniam, vincant cum singula pcenas? 

Tollite de mediis animarum dedecus umbris. 520 
Adspexisse sat est. Oculis jam parcite nostris, 

Et ditis purgate domos. Agitate flagellis 

Trans Styga, trans Erebum. Vacuo mandate Barathro 
Infra Titanum tenebras, infraque recessüs 

Tartareos, nostrumque Chaos. Qua noctis opace 525 
Fundamenta latent, penitusque immersus anhelet, 


Dum rotet astra polus, feriant dum littora venti. 


125 


^ For thee let all Hell's torments now be spread : 

* A rolling stone, which threatens, o'er thy head ; 

* Fixed on a wheel, thy limbs most swiftly turn ; 

** Thy throat, for liquors, all inviting, burn ; 730 
** "Mid floods immersed, still parched and thirsty feel ; 
‘Th’ immortal vulture from his banquet steal, 

* To gnaw and torture thy inhuman heart, 

And anguish dire inflict on ev’ry part. 

“ The guilt of those, who such dread tortures bear, 735 
* Can never with thy infamy coinpare. 

* Salmoneus, with pretended thunder, armed ; 

“ Or Tantalus, who blabbed and gods alarmed ; 

" Or Tityus, victim of unchaste design :— 

* Not all their crimes collected equal thine. 740 
* For such fell acts, what tortures can atone ?— | 
“ Each, singly taken, merits them alone; 

^ Hell's punishments are insufficient found ; — 

* Remove the hideous wretch from SHADES around ; 

** "Tis quite enough the monster to have seen : 745 
* Relieve our eyes from his detested mien ; 

* To loiter longer here, he's no pretence : 
* Beyond the Styx, with scourges drive him hence ;— 

* Beyond e'en Erebus ; there throw him down 

* The void immense, th’ abyss of dread renown, 756 
'* Beneath the Titans, and the horrours dire 

* Of Tartarus’ eternal realms of fire, 

* Where Chaos, source of lasting darkness, lies, 
There, ’mid drear terrours, let him breathe his sighs, 

" While through high HrAv'w the stars preserve their 
755 


course, . 
* And winds, against the shores, huge billows force. 


CL. CLAUDIANI 
| DB 


Tertio Consulatu 


- HONORII AUGUSTI 
PANEGYRIS. 


PREFATIO.  . 


[ BÓ A 


PARVOS non aquilis fas est educere fetus 
Ante fidem Solis, judiciumque poli. | 
Nam pater, excusso saliit cum tegmine proles, : 
Ovaque maternus rupit hiulca tepor, - 
Protinus implumes convertit ad ethera nidos, 5 
_Et recto flammas imperat ore pati. 
Consulit ardentes radios, & luce magistra 
Natorum vires ingeniumque probat. 
Degeneres refugo torsit qui lumine visus, 
Unguibus hunc sevis ira paterna ferit. 10 
Exploratores oculis qui pertulit ignes, 
Sustinuitque acie nobiliore diem ; - | 
Nutritur volucrumque potens & fulminis heres, 


Gesturus summo tela trisulca Jovi. 


PANEGYRICK 
On the THIRD CONSULSHIP of 


HONORIUS. 


PREFACE. 


THE king of birds examines well the skies, 

Before, his eaglets, he with food supplies. 

For when maternal heat has burst the shell, 

And light pervades the oped, testaceous cell, 

Their plumeless heads the father turns with care, 5 
To face, unmoved, the sun's all-powerful glare. 

He carefully consults the god of day, 

And tries the nestlings 'gainst the solar ray; 

Degen'rate those which turn the eye aside: 

Parental claws, with rage, their limbs divide. 10 
But such, as nobly dare the piercing fire, 

Are fondly cherished by the lofty sire, 

As heirs of thunder, swiftly air to rove, 

And bear the three-forked bolts of mighty Jove. 


Li 


128 


Me quoque Pieriis tentatum sepius antris 
Audet magna suo mittere Roma Deo. 
Jam dominas aures, jam regia tecta meremur, 


Et chelys Augusto judice nostra sonat. 


15 


129 


From sweet Pierian grots, where oft the sound 
Of my attempts has been reechoed round ; 
At Rome's command, I hasten to obey, 
And, at her altars, my devotions lay: 
The royal ear and palace I acquire, 
And, to Honorius' judgment, tune my lyre. 


15 


20 


TERTIA Romuiei sumant exordia fasces,. 

Terque suas ducat bellatrix pempa curules. 

Festior annus eat, cinctusque imitata Gabinos 

Dives Hydaspeis augescat purpura gémmis. 

Succedant armis trabez : tentorialictor — 5 
Ambiat, & Latie redeant ad signa secures. 

Tuque, 6, qui patrium curis sequalibus orbem 

Eoo cum fratre regis, procede secundis 

Alitibus, Phoebique novos ordire meatus, 

Spes votumque poli, quem primo 4 limine vite 10 
Nutrix aula fovet: strictis quem fulgida telis 

Inter laurigeros aluerunt castra triumphos. 

Ardua privatos nescit fortuna penates, 

Et regnum cum luce dedit cognata potestas, 

Excepit Tyrio venerabile pignus in ostro, 15 
. Lustravitque tuos aquilis victricibus ortus 


Miles, & in mediis cunabula prebuit hastis. 


4 
» 


THE Rops of Romulus already twice 
Have, you, preceded :—let them now make thrice, 
With warriours circling round the iv'ry throne, 
In martial pomp and splendour proudly shown. 
Again let mirth and joy pervade the year: 
Hydaspes’ richest ornaments appear, 

To deck the purple, which from Gabii came,’ 
And we adopted, honour to proclaim. 

To arms let consul-dresses now succeed ; 

The lictor to the tents give proper heed ; 

And let the Axes in the camp remain, 

To follow Roman standards o’er the plain. 


You, who the cares of sov'reignty divide 
With that resplendent star by blood allied, 
Proceed :—propitious smiles on you attend ; 
The god of light will your career befriend ; ° 
Heav’n’s cherished hope and vow, whose infant days 
- ‘The palace nursed, and who, "mid laurel-bays, 
And arms assembled, learned from tented fields, - 
In early age, the art which glory yields. 
Superior Fortune shuns the humble cot; 
To you, with breath, she gave th’ imperial lot ; 
Pledge of high birth, in Tyrian purple laid 
At dawn of life, with guards who round displayed 
Victorious eagles, and your cradle-years 
Protected in the midst of num’rous spears. 

R 2 


10 


20 


25 








132 


Te nascente ferox toto Germania Rheno 
Intremuit, movitque suas formidine silvas 
Caucasus, & positis numen confessa pharetris 
Ignavas Meroé traxit de crine sagittas. 
Reptasti per scuta puer, regumque recentes 
Exuvie tibi ludus erant, primusque solebas 
Aspera complecti torvum post preelia patrem, 
Signa triumphato quoties flexisset ab Istro 
Arctoa de strage calens, & poscere partem 
De spoliis, Scythicosve arcus, aut rapta Gelonis 
Cingula, vel jaculum Daci, vel frena Suévi.. 
Tile coruscanti clipeo te sepe volentem 
Sustulit arridens, & pectore pressit anhelo 
Intrepidum ferri, galee nec triste timentem 
Fulgur, & ad summas tendentem brachia cristas, 
_ Tum sic letus ait: Rex 6 stellantis Olympi, 
Talis perdomito redeat mihi filius hoste, 
]Iyrcanas populatus opes, aut cede superbus 
Assyria. Sic ense rubens, sic flamine crebro 
Turbidus, & grato respersus pulvere belli, 
Armaque graviso referat captiva parenti. 


. 20 


23 


50 


E] 


133 


AT your nativity the Rhine was chilled ; 
Through savage Germany dire terrour thrilled ; 
The woods of Caucasus affrighted shook ; 
Her useless quivers, Meroé forsook ; 30 
Confessed your pow’r divine, and, from her head, 
Threw off the darts around her temples spread. 
With shields you often played while yet'a child, 
And royal spoils, your infant hours, beguiled. | 


WHEN from the Arctos’ snows and Ister’s shore, 35 
Your father back in triumph laurels bore ; 
In spite of aspect rough, you t'wards him flew, 
And round his neck your arms with fondness threw ; 
Begged Scythian bows, or belts from Gete gain ; 
The Dacian’s javelin, or SuEvr's rein. . 40 
- With smiles he oft, upon his shining shield, - 
Aloft would raise you ; to your wishes yield ; 
His panting breast you climbed, nor seemed afraid 
Of glare the helmet or the sword displayed ; 
But boldly stretched your eager hands on high, 45 
To seize the tufts which nodded o’er his eye. | 


Wit lively joy great Theodosius cried :— 
* O monarch of Olympus' starry pride ! 
* May thus my son, one day, from wars alarms, 
* Return, with conquest crowned, to bless my arms! 50 
* Th’ Hyrcanian pow’r on ev'ry side laid waste, 
* And proud Assyria in subjection placed ! 
* May he, with sword thus stained, eyes flashing fire, 
* And dust of war besprinkling his attire, | 
* To his delighted parent's presence bring, 55 
* The glorious trophies which from triumph spring !” 





134 


Mox ubi firmasti recto vestigia gressu, 
Noi tibi desidias molles, nec marcida luxu 
Otia, nec somnos genitor permisit inertes : 
Sed nova per duros instruxit membra labores, 
Et cruda teneros exercuit indole vires : 
Frigora seeva pati, gravibus non cedere nimbis, 
ZEstivum tolerare jubar, tranare sonoras 
Torrentum furias, adscensu vincere montes, 
Planitiem cursu, valles & concava saltu. 
Nec non in clipeo vigiles producere noctes, 
In galea potare nives ; nunc spicula cornu . 
Tendere, nunc glandes Baleari spargere funda. 
Quoque magis nimium pugne inflammaret amorem, 
Facta tui numerabat avi, quem littus aduste — 
Horrescit Lybiw, ratibusque impervia Thule. 
Ille leves Mauros, nec falso nomiue Pictos 
Edomuit, Scotumque vago mucrone secutus, 
Fregit Hyperboreas remis audacibus undas, 
Et gemiuis fulgens utroque sub axe tropzts 
Tethyos alterne refluas calcavit arenas. 
Hos tibi virtutum stimulos, hac semina laudum, 
Hee éxempla dabat. Non ocius hausit. Achilles 
Semiferi praecepta senis, seu cuspidis artes, 
Sive lyre cantus, medicas seu disceret herbas. 


. 45 


50 


55 





135 


WirrH firmer step however, soon you moved ; 
To soft voluptuousness unftiendly proved ; 
Nor lazy ease, nor idle, useless sleep, 
Your father suffered o'er the sense to creep ; 60 
But tried your tender limbs fatigues to bear, ° 
And exercised the pow'rs of youth with care :— 
To stand severest cold, or tempests fierce : 
Endure the summer’s heat ;—loud torrents pierce; 
Climb mountains steep, and dart along the plain ; 65 
Deep valleys leap :—repose on shields obtain ; 
Drink snow from helmets; and the arrow place 
Within th’ elastick bow’s inflected space ; 
Or, like the Balearick natives, fling, | : 
Through air, on high, rough pebbles with a sling. 70 
With love of martial fame he filled your breast ; 
His father's glory on your notice pressed:— —— 
The terrours spread o'er burning Libya's shore, 
And Thulé's fright, which vainly ships explore. 
His conqu'ring sword the active Moor subdued ; 75 
The Pict, so truly named, his arm pursued ; : 
The Scot, who through the Hyperborean tide 
Audaciously the oar with labour plied, 
.He drove; and proofs of triumph nobly gave 
In Nona, in SourH, and sands both oceans lave. 80 


To you thus Theodosius open laid et 
The seeds of praise: example's piercing aid. 
Not great Achilles, by the Centaur’s care, 
Was sooner taught the warriour’s lance to bear, 
‘Or strike the sounding lyre, or comprehend |. 8$ 
The healing virtues vegetables lend. 


136 


* Interea turbata fides, civilia rursus 

Bella tonant, dubiumque quatit discordia mundum. 
Proh crimen superum, longi proh dedecus sevi! 
Darbaru$ Hesperias exul possederat urbes, 
Sceptraque dejecto dederat Romana clienti. 

Jam Princeps molitur iter, gentesque remotas 
Colligit Aurore, tumidus quascunque pererrat 
Euphrates, quas lustrat Halys, quas ditat Orontes. 
Turiferos Arabes saltus, vada Caspia Medi, 
Armenii Phasin, Parthi liquere Niphaten. 


Que tibi tunc Martis rabies, quantusque sequendi 
Ardor erat? quanto flagrabant pectora voto, 
Optatas audire tubas, campique cruenta 
Tempestate frui, truncisque immergere plantas P 
Ut Leo, quem fulye matris spelunca tegebat 
Uberibus solitum pasci, cum crescere sensit 
Ungue pedes, & terga jubis, & dentibus ora ; 

Jam negat imbelles epulas, & rupe relicta 
Geetulo comes ire patri, stabulisque minari 


ZEstuat, & celsi tabo sordere juvenci. 


65 


790 


75 


80 


137 


MEANWHILE the calm was troubled ;—waf¥ arose” 
And Discorp broke again the world's repose. 
Oh shameful crime !—oh age of dire disgrace ! 
-A banished culprit*, of Barbarian race, 90 
Hesperian towns and cities to o'erthrow, . 
And Roman sceptres on a wretch bestow ! 


Now Theodosius marched, and round him came 
The distant nations from Aurora’s flame : 
The countries watered by Euphrates’ wave ; - 95 
The banks that Halys and Orontes lave: . 
Th' Arabians from the woods which perfumes bless; 
The Medes who coasts of Caspian sea possess ; 
Th' Armenians from the Phasis' flowing store ; 
And Parthians who o'errun Niphates’ shore. 100 


THEN martial fire within your bosom glowed ; 
To follow, ev'ry anxious wish you showed, 
And longed to hear the trumpet’s piercing sound ; 
To see the bloody streams upon the ground, 
And trample on the num’rous heaps of slain : . 105 
The trunks and limbs that overspread the plain. 


So a young lion, which the mother's care 
With milk has fostered in her lone repair, 
When he perceives his feet supplied with claws ; 
Hair on his neck ; and teeth around his jaws ; 110: 
Disdains the simple food: the den forsakes ; 
And to Getulian woods and deserts takes : 
Longs terrours, like his sire, "mong herds to spread ; 
And, from a lofty bull, with gore be fed. 

3. | 


* Argobastcs. 


138 


Ille vetat, rerumque tibi commendat habenas, . 

Et sacro meritos ornat diademate crines. 

Tantaque se rudibus pietas ostendit in annis, 85 
Sic etas animo cessit, quererentur ut omnes 

Imperium tibi sero datum. Victoria velox 

Auspiciis effecta tuis.  Pugnastis uterque: 

Tu fatis, genitorque manu. Te propter & Alpes 

Invadi faciles. Cauto nec profuit hosti : 90 
Munitis heesisse locis. Spes irrita valli 

Concidit, & scopulis patuerunt claustra revulsis. 

Te propter gelidis Aquilo de monte procellis 

Obruit adversas acies, revolutaque tela 

Vertit in auctores, & turbine reppulit hastis. ~ 95 
OQ nimium dilecte Deo, cui fundit ab antris 

JEolus armatas hyemes; cui militat ether, 

Et conjurati veniunt ad classica venti. 

Alpine rubuere nives, & Frigidus amnis . 

. Mutatis fumavit aquis, turbaque cadentum ' 100 
Staret, ni rapidus pavisset flumina sanguis. 


At ferus inventor scelerum trajecerat altum 





d 139 


Your royal father checked the wish disclosed ; 
On you the reins of empire he reposed ; 
And round the brow where he such merits traced, 
The sacred diadem of sov'reigns placed. 
The virtues, unattained at early age, 
Were found in you attention to engage ; 
And all lamented the retarded hour, 
That you invested with imperial pow'r. 
Beneath your auspices, our armies round 
Were presently beheld with conquest crowned ; 
For your great sire the hand of valour fought : 
For you the Desrin1zs protection brought ; 
For you the lofty Alps were open laid : 
The cautious foe in vain 'mid ramparts stayed ; 
The hoped defence, the pallisade and rock, 
Which stood around, straight yielded to the shock. 


For you, from summits high, the NogTHERN blast, 


On rebel armies snowy masses cast : 
Repelled the arrows on the hostile force, 
And turned the lance to measure back its course. 


O HeEav’n’s delight !—For you, from dreary cave, 


Oft /Eolus spreads tempests o'er the wave; 

- For you the skies contend ; and winds conspire 
To fly where'er your trumps their pow'r require! 
The Alpine snows a ruddy aspect gained ; 


The FRic1D River smoked and, red, was stained ; 


The heaps of slain awhile delayed the flood ; 
But, all proceeded, swelled by streams of blood. 
Howe'er the fell disturber of our rest 

Has many stabs inflicted on his breast ; 


S2 


120 


125 


130 


135 


140 


140 


Non uno mucrone latus, duplexque tepebat 
Ensis, & ultrices in se converterat iras, 
Tandem justa manus. Jam libertate reducta, 
Quamvis emeritum peteret natura reverti 
Numen, & auratas astrorum panderet arces, 
Nutaretque oneri venturo conscius Atlas, 

- Distulit Augustus cupido se credere ccelo, 
Dum tibi pacatüm presenti traderet orbem : 
Nec mora; Bistoniis alacer consurgis ab oris, 
dnter Barbaricas ausus transire cohortes 
Impavido vultu.  Linquis Rhodopeia saxa 
Orpheis animata modis: juga deseris Oetes 
Herculeo damnata rogo: post Pelion intras 
Nereis illustre toris. Te pulcer Enipeus 
Celsaque Dodone stupuit, rursusque locute 
In te Chaonige moverunt carmina quercus. 
Illyrici legitur playa littoris : arva teruntur 
Dalmatie ; Phrygii numerantur stagna Timavi, 


110 


11$ 


120 


141 


Two swords, still reeking, have his entrails torn ; 
Avenging rage at length his hand has borne, 

To turn against himself the fatal steel, 

And, stern decrees of justice, make him feel. 


Now Liserry restored, the hour drew near: 
That marked the prince’s limited career. 
In vain his presence NATURE might demand, 
Or HEAv’N its spangled arch of stars expand ; 
Already Atlas tottered with the load, 
Which ready seemed to reach the high abod e 
But Theodosius was not yet inclined 
To take the seat, th’ ImmortTats him designed: 
Within your hands, he anxiously desired 
To leave the realm at peace, when he retired. 


Soon you, beyond the lofty hills of Thrace, 


145 


150 


155 


Broke through BARBARIAN ranks with fearless face; 160 
Passed Rhodopé’s high brow, whose rocks had proved 


Obedient to the strings by Orpheus moved ; 
Left CEta's top, where Hercules's frame 
Was ashes made amid funereal flame ; 

And penetrated rugged Pelion's shade, 
Illustrious by the Nereid marriage made. 
Th’ Enipeus, and Dodona's tow'ring height, 
Were, by your presence, filled with fond delight.’ 
For you the oaks, that in Chaonia spoke, 
Again, in oracles, their silence broke. 
Along Illyricum you kept the shore; 
Dalmatia’s fallow fields your footsteps bore. 
Timavus’ waters you with care-o'erran, 


Where ceased the wand'rings of the Phrygian clan. 


165 


170 


142 


Gaudent Italize sublimibus oppida muris 
Adventu sacrata tuo. Submissus adorat | 
Eridanus, blandosque jubet mitescere fluctus, 
Et Pha£thonteas solite deflere ruinas 


Roscida frondose revocant electra sorores. 195 


Quanti tum juvenes, quante sprevere pudorem 
Spectandi studio matres, puerisque severi " 
Certavere senes, cum tu genitoris amico 
Exceptus gremio mediam veherere per urbem, 
Velaretque pios communis laurea currus. 130 
Quis non Luciferum roseo cum Sole videri 
Credidit, aut junctum Bromio radiare Tonantem ? 

Floret cristatis exercitus undique turmis, 

Quisque sua te voce canens. Preestringit aéna.- 

Lux oculos, nudique seges Mavortia ferri 135 
Ingeminat splendore diem. Pars nobilis arcu, 

. Pars longe jaculis, pars cominus horrida contis. 

Hi volucres tollunt aquilas, hi picta draconum 

Colla levant, multusque tumet per nubila serpens 

Iratus stimulante Noto; vivitque receptis 140 


Flatibus, & vario mentitur sibila tractu. 


Ut ventum ad sedes; cunctos discedere tectis 
Dux jubet, & generum compellat talibus ultro : 


Bellipotens Stilico, cujus mihi robur in armis, 


143 


Th’ Italian splendid cities joy expressed, 175 
When you, within their ramparts, they possessed ; 

The Po due rev rence and attention showed : 

Devoid of noise, its undulations flowed ; 

The amber tears no more from leaves distilled, 

And grief th’ Heliades no longer filled. 180 


How many youths and mothers then forgot 
The laws, decorum’s rigid rules allot, 
And gratified their opticks with delight : 
E’en age with boys contended for the sight, 
When you, through Rome, your father fondly bore, 185 
Raised on a car which, simple laurel, wore. 
The Star of Morn seemed joined with Sor's bright rays, ) 
Or Bacchus with the god who, THuNDER, sways. 


THE warriours’ tufted plumage waved around, | 
And, in their accents, were your praises found. 190 
The glare of polished brass fatigued the view ; 

Drawn swords, on day, redoubled splendour, threw ; 
Bows, monuments of glory ;—javelins strong :— 

And other horrid weapons, sharp and long. 

Here eagles floated :—dragons raised their crest ; 195 
And, t ‘wards the clouds, the angry serpents pressed : — 
Appeared to stimulate the SouzRERN gale, 

Which, lending life, seemed hisses to exhale. 


THE sovreign having reached the palace gate, 
The crowd, he ordered from the house of state: 200 


* INTREPID Stilicho!” he then exclaimed, 
* In war or peace, alike for honour famed, 





144 


Pace probata fides. Quid enim per prelia gessi 
Te sine? Quem merui te non sudante triumphum ? 


Odrysium pariter Getico foedavimus Hebrum 


Sanguine, Sarmaticas pariter prostravimus alas, 


Rhipseaque simul fessos porreximus artus 

In glacie, stantemque rota sulcavimus Istrum. 
Ergo age, me quoniam ccelestis regia poscit, - 
Tu curis succede meis, tu pignora solus | 
Nostra fove, geminos dextra tu protege fratres. 
Per consanguineos thalamos, noctemque beatam, 
Per tedas, quas ipsa tuo Regina levavit 
Conjugio, sociaque nurum produxit ab aula, . 
Indue mente patrem, crescentes dilige foetus, 

Ut ducis, utsoceri. Jam jam securus ad astra 
Te custode ferar. Rupta si mole Typhceus | 
Vinclis prosiliat, Tityos si membra resolvat, 

Si furor Enceladi projecta mugiat /Etna, — 
Opposito Stilicone cadant. Nec plura locutus, 
Sicut erat, liquido signavit tramite nubes, 
Ingrediturque globum Lune, limenque reliquit 
Arcados, & Veneris clementes advolat auras. 


Hinc Phoebi permensus iter, lammamque nocentem 


145 


150 


160 


165 


145 


* Without thy arm, what feats have I achieved ? 

* Or triumphs gained where thou wert not perceived? 

* [n Thrace united we our efforts tried, 205 
* And Heber’s stream with blood of Gette dyed ; 

* Conjointly we subdued Sarmatian foes ; 

* Together stretched our limbs on Scythian snows ; 

* And Ister’s surface, when with ice congealed, 

* Impressed with furrows as our chariot wheeled. 210 
* Since then my presence is required ABOVE, 

* Be here my agent: cherish those I love; 

* The pledges of my fondness, ward with care: 

* Let both the brothers thy protection share. 

* By all our consanguineous marriage tics ; 915 
* Dy that blessed hour when, to thy eager eyes, 

* Thy bride was by the queen, with torches, led, 

* From royal parents to the nuptial bed ;— 

* Be to my children as a father kind, 

* And let their youth a shield and guardian find! 220 
" Assured of thy attention, now I'll fly 

'* To constellations in the azure sky. 

* Should huge Typhoeus break his massy chains, 

* And burst the mountain which bis steps restrains ;' 

* Or brawny Tityus free his fettered bones ; 225 
*t Or Etna, by Enceladus’s groans 

* And frantick energies, be forced away : 

* All would before thee impotence betray.” 


Tuts said, through clouds aloft he marked his flight, 
Where Luwa’s globe revolves "mid beams of light; 236 
Passed Merc'ry's orbit; Venus’ calm repair; 

The course of Phoebus; Mars’ injurious glage ; 


146 


Gradivi, placidumque Jovem, stetit arce suprema, 
Algenti qua zona riget Saturnia tractu. 
Machina laxatur coli, rutileque patescunt 
Sponte fores. Arctoa parat convexa Bootes. 
Australes reserat portas succinctus Orion, 
Invitantque novum sidus, pendentque vicissim, 
Quas partes velit ille sequi, quibus esse sodalis 
Dignetur stellis, aut qua regione morari. 

O decus setherium, terrarum gloria quondam ; 
Te tuus Oceanus natali gurgite lassum 

Excipit, & notis Hispania proluit undis. 
Fortunate parens, primos cum detegis ortus, 
Adspivis Arcadium : cum te proclivior urges, | 
Occiduum visus remoratur Honorius ignem. - 
Et quocunque vagos flectas sub cardine cursus, 
Natorum per regna venis, qui mente serena, 
Maturoque regunt victas moderamine gentes ; 
Becula qui rursus forment meliore metallo. 
Luget avarities Stygiis innexa catenis, 

Cumque suo demens expellitur ambitus auro. 
Non dominantur opes: non corrumpentia sensus 


Dona valent. Emitur sola virtute potestas. 


170 


175 


180 


185 


147 


The placid Jupiter's ethereal throne; — 

And stopt on high in Saturn's icy zone. 

The Heav’ns were then unlocked : the doors spread wide ; 
To deck the Arctick space Bootes tried ; 

Orion quickly oped the AusTRAL gate ;— 

And both the coming star appeared to wait : 

Observed, by tarns, what course he seemed to bend : 

To what society his steps might tend; — - 240 
The choice of company with which he'd mix ; 

And in what region ultimately fix. 


O Brrssrp, celestial ornament on high, 
The glory late, of all beneath the sky, 
Your toils will now be plunged in OcKAN’s wave, 245 
Which, Spain, your cradle, pleasure took to lave. 
O lucky father !—when you first arise, 
To beam around, Arcadius meets your eyes ; 
And, pressing downward in your WEsTERN flight, 
Honorius' view arrests your setting light. 250 
Where'er you take your course, from East to WEsT, 
You move through kingdoms by your sons possessed, 
Who, conquered nations, rule with mandates sage, 
And cherish virtues of the brightest age. 
In Stygian chains is AVARICE confined, Q55. 
And knavish bribes to INFAmy consigned; _ 
No longer store of wealth has pow'r to harm ; 
Nor gifts corrupt, the faculty to charin ; 
But due regard to virtuous worth is shown, 
And honour’s made the price of that alone. 260 


O Bnornzns! joined in unity of sway ; 
Whom sea and earth, by Fate’s decrees, obey, 
T 2 


148 


Unaniui fratres, quorum mare terraque fatis 
Debentur, quodcumque manus evasit avitas, 
Quod superest patri. Vobis jam Mulciber arma 
Preeparat, & Sicula Cyclops incude laborat. 
Brontes innumeris exasperat wgida signis ; 

Altum fulminea crispare in cuspide conum 
Festinat Steropes: nectit thoraca Pyracmon ; 
Ignifluisque gemit Lipare fumosa cavernis. 
Vobis Ionia virides Neptunus in alga 

Nutrit equos, qui summa freti per cerula possint 
Ferre viam, segetemque levi percurrere motu, 
Nesciat ut spumas, nec proterat ungula culmos. 
Jam video Babylona rapi, Parthumque coactum 
Non ficta trepidare fuga: jam Bactra teneri 
Legibus, & famulis Gangen pallescere ripis, 

. Gemmatosque humilem dispergere Persida cultus. 
Ite per extremum Tanain, pigrosque Triones. 

Ite per ardentem Libyam: superate vapores 
Solis, & arcanos Nili deprendite fontes. 
Herculeum finem, Bacchi transcurrite metas. 
Vestri juris erit quidquid complectitur axis, 
Vobis rubra dabunt pretiosas sequora conchas, 


Indus ebur, ramos Panchaia, vellera Seres. 


190 


195 


210 


149 


And whatsoe'er your ancestors retained, 

Or in subjection to your sire remained ; 

For you now Vulcan forges arms complete :— 265 
The Cyclop's blows, Sicilian anvil, heat. 

The shield, with num'rous figures, Brontes graves ; 

The crest, that o'er the lofty helmet waves, 

In haste by Steropes is fixed with art: - 

Pyracmon fits the breast-plate, part to part ; 270 
And:'smoky Lipara's recesses dire 

Roar with the flame intense of flowing fire, 

Old Neptune, on Ionia's verdant strand, 

The finest horses rears, for your command, 

Which shall the sloping ways along the shore, 276 
With speed dart down: the corn-ground scamper o’er ; 
Nor with white froth the waving fields bespread ; 

Nor under foot the yellow harvests tread. | 


Now, to my sight, is Dabylon subdued ; 
The Parthians take to flight, as if pursued ; 280 
To Roman laws, submission Bactria shows ; 

The Ganges, pale, ’mid captive borders flows ; 

And Persia, at our feet, with humble air, 

Spreads costly ornaments and jewels rare. 

To Tanais, to NoRTHERN regions, run ; 285 
Through burning Libya :—brave the sultry sun ; 

Search where the Nile conceals his secret spring ; 

To Hercules’ extensive pillars, wmg ; 

Your course to Bacchus’ utmost limits bend ; 

From pole to pole your empire shall extend. 290 
The Ruppy-Sea will you with pearls supply ; 
On Indus’ stream for ivory rely ; 

Panchaia rich perfumes will afford ; 

And, by the Seres, you'll with silk be stored. 





CL. CLAUDIANI 
DE 
Quarto Consulatu 
HONORII AUGUSTI 
PANEGYRIS. 


AUSPICIIS iterum sese regalibus annus 
Induit, & nota fruitur jactantior aula. 
Limina nec passi circum privata morari 
Frnitant reduces Augusto Consule fasces. 
nis ut armorum proceres, legumque potentes 
‘icios sumunt habitus, & more Gabino 
color incedit legio, positisque parumper 
orum signis sequitur vexilla Quirini ? 
ori cedunt aquile, Fidetque togatus 
2s, & in mediis effulget Curia castris ? 
Palatino circumvallata Senatu 
trabeam Bellona gerit, parmamque removit 


10 





PANEGYRICK 


ON THE FOURTH CONSULSHIP 


OF 


HONORIUS. 


Wir royal auspices begins the year; 

And joys again th’ imperial palace cheer. 

Honorius consul, now the FAscrs leave 

The private roof, and to AvGusrus cleave. 

The,noble senators and warriours bold, ^" $5 
Together mixed, in robes of state, behold : 

And legions decked in Consular array, 

Aside the martial, waving banner lay, 

To follow, for th' appropriated hour, 

The peaceful signs of Romulus’s pow'r. 10 
To give the Lictor place, the eagles press : | 

The soldier smiles to see his civick dress ; 

And, with the marks of war encompassed round, 

The senators, in pomp, o'erspread the ground. 

Bellona e'en, her armour laid aside, 15 
And with the consular attire supplied, 


159 


Et galeam, saeras humeris vectura curules. 
Nec te laurigeras pudeat, Gradive, secures 
Pacata gestare manu, Latiaque micantem 
Loricam mutare toga, dum ferreus heret | 
Currus, & Eridani ludunt per prata jugales. - 
Haud indigna coli, nec nuper coguita Marti 
Ulpia progenies, &, quae diademata mundo 
Sparsit, Ibera domus : nec tante vilior unda 
Promeruit gentis seriem. Cunabula fovit 
Oceanus. Terre dominos, pelagique futuros 
Immenso decuit rerum de principe nasci. 

Hinc processit avus: cui, post Arctoa frementi 
Classica, Massylas annexuit Africa lauros. 
Ille, Caledoniis posuit qui castra pruinis, 

Qui medios Libyx sub casside pertulit estus, 
Terribilis Mauro, debellatorque Britanni 
Litoris, ac pariter Boreze vastator & Austri. 
Quid rigor aternus coeli, quid frigora prosunt, 


15 


25 


30 


153 


Appears, amid th’ imperial band, to wait 

And lend her shoulders to the car of state. 

Nor signs of shame shows Mars, with peaceful hand, 
To bear the Axes, twined with laurel-band, 20 
And, for the Roman gown, his arms lay by ; 

While motionless his wheels of iron lie, 

And, in the meadows, bord'ring on the Po, 

His coursers bound, and scamper to and fro’. 


, Our utmost gratitude to Spain is due; 25 
For diadems which o'er the world we view : 
Mars fully knows what Trajan’s race supplies :— 
No springs inglorious from that source arise. 
The OcxaN their Aurora fondly cheered : 
Of land and sea, the future lords revered : 30 
Decreed by Destiny, who fixed their birth, 
. Where pow'rs concentre that pervade the earth. 


"Twas there your grandfather* first saw the day, 
Who, after triumphs near the ÀRcTICK ray, 
To Africa extended his renown, 33 
And, at Massyla, gained the laurel-crown. 
His camps in Caledonia's snows he placed ; 
The burning Libya's heat his helmet faced ; 
The Moor felt terrour; Britain he subdued ; 
From Nortu to Souts dread havock he pursued. 40 
Whate'er the rigour of th' ethereal throne, 
The realms of ice, or narrow seas unknown, 


U 


* "Theodosius, father of the emperor Theodosius the Great, who, 
on vague suspicion that his name and services were superior to the 
rank of a subject, was ignominiously b:headed at Carthage in he 


year 376. 


154 


Ignotumque fretum? maduerunt Saxone fuso 
Orcades. Incaluit Pictorum sanguine Thule. 
.Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Ierne. 

Quis calor obsistat forti? per vasta cucurrit 
ZEthiopum, cinxitque novis Atlanta maniplis. 
Virgineum Tritona bibit, sparsosque venenis 
Gorgoneis vidit thalamos, & vile virentes 
Hesperidum risit, quos ditat fabula, ramos. 
Arx incensa Jubs, rabies Maurusia ferro 
Cessit, & antiqui penetralia diruta Bocchi. 
Sed laudes genitor longe transgressus avitas 


Subdidit Oceanum sceptris, & margine coeli - 


Clausit opes: quantum distant à Tigride Gades, 


Inter se Tanais quantum Nilusque relinquunt, 


Hec tamen innumeris per se queesita troptels :.- 


Non generis dono, non ambitione potitus. 
Digna legi virtus. Ultro se purpura supplex 


Obtulit, & solus meruit regnare rogatus. 


Nam cum barbaries penitus commota gementem 


Irrueret Rhodopen, & misto turbine gentis 


35 


40 


50 


155 


The Orkneys he o'erspread with Saxon gore : 
The blood of Picts besprinkled Thulé’s shore ; 
And o'er the num’rous hcaps of Scottish dead, 
The tears of bitterness chilled Ireland shed. 


No scorching beams could e’er his force withstand ; 


His banners moved through Ethiopia's sand ; 
With num'rous legions Atlas was beset ; 

His lips the virgin wave of ‘Triton met ; 

The couch with Gorgon poisons, he beheld ; ' 
Th’ Hesperian gardens, which so much excelled, 
As fabled stories state, he laughed to view :— 
On Juba’s palace, flames his forces threw ; 
Fierce Mauritania yielded to his sway ; 

And ancient Bocchus’ walls in ruins lay. 


Hicu as your grandfather these actions raise, 
Your royal sire still more was worthy praise. 
To his imperial sceptre, OCEAN bowed ; 
No bounds but sky he to his realms allowed. 
Far as from banks that Tigris’ waters lave, 
To where Alcides’ pillars meet the wave ; 
Or Tanais from Nile’s extensive course :— 
Climes more expanded owned his pow’rful force. 
These num'rous triumphs worth alone obtained : 
No gift of birth, nor by ambition gained, 
But Virtue led the way; the PuRPLE came 
And humbly sought to grace his glorious name; 
Sole priuce solicited to mount a throne, 
Ie ruled the state with merits all his own. 


50 


55 


60 


65 


70 


Fon when, from climes remote, BARBARIANS flew, 


And Rhodopé their dire oppression knew : 
U 2 


156 


Jam deserta suas in nos transfunderet Arctos, 

Danubii tote vomerent cum prelia ripe, 

Cum Geticis ingens premeretur Mysia plaustris, 
Flavaque Bistonios operirent agmina campos : 

Omnibus afflictis, & vel labentibus ictu, as 
Vel prope casuris, unus tot funera contra 

Restitit, extinxitque faces, agrosque colonis 

Reddidit, & leti rapuit de faucibus urbes. 

Nulla relicta foret Romani nominis umbra, 

Ni pater ille tuus jam jam ruitura subisset 60 
Pondera, turbatamque ratem ; certaque levasset 
Naufragium commune manu. . Velut ordine rupto 

Cum procul insane traherént Phaethonta quadrige, 
Seeviretque dies, terramque k stagng propinqui 
 Haurirent radii, solito cum murmure torvis 63 
Sol occurrit equis : qui postquam rursus heriles 
Agnovere sonos ; rediit meliore magistro 

Machina concentusque poli, currusque recepit 

Imperium, flammeque modum. — Sic traditus illi, 
Servatusque Oriens. At non pars altera rerum 70 


Tradita, bis possessa manu, bis parta periclis. 


157 — 


When forth the Arcrick BEAR, against us sent 
Tumultuous hordes on devastation bent ; | 
When, from both banks along the Danube's course, 76$ 
Was vomited, in arms, a daring force; 

When Mysia heavy cars of Gete bore ; 

When Thracian plains with swarms were covered ó'er: 
Dismay prevailed : the fatal blow was made, 

Or ready seemed to fall :—then One* displayed, — 80 
Against dread ravages, superior pow’ : 

Quenched flames that threatened empires to devour ; 
Restored the fields to AGRICULTURE'’s laws; 

And cities snatched from DEatH’s extended jaws. 

The Roman name was ready to expire, 85 
When, to support the state, appeared your sire" ; 

With steady hand the stormy tide he braved, 

And, from impending wreck, the vessel saved. 


So when, 'mid elements confused around, 
Sor's horses, Phaeton unruly found, 90 
And earth and sea were scorched with piercing flame : 
No sooner Phosbus to his coursers came, 
Than, yielding to his well known voice and hand, 
They showed obedience to his firm command ; 
The chariot took again its usual way, 95 
And order reigned through all the realms of day. 


‘ Tuus Theodosius, having gained the reins, 

Restored tranquillity through Or1enT plains; 

But other parts, unused to feel his care, 

Twice he was forced to seize :—twice dangers dare. 100 


* Theodosius the Great. 


160 


Decidit in fluctus: illum suus abstulit ensis. 

Hunc Alpes, hunc pontus, habet. Solatia cesis 
Fratribus hec ultor tribuit. Necis auctor uterque 
Labitur. Augustas par victima mitigat umbras. 95 
Has dedit inferias tumulis, juvenumque duorum 
Purpureos merito placavit sanguine Manes. 

Illi justitiam confirmavere triumphi ; 

Preesentes docuere Deos. — Hinc secula discant 
Indomitum nihil esse pio, tutumve nocenti. 100 
Nuntius ipse sui longas incognitus egit 

Preevento rumore vias. Inopinus utrumque 


Perculit, & clausos montes, ut plana, reliquit. 


Extruite immanes scopulos, attollite turres, 
Cingite vos fluviis, vastas opponite silvas, 105 
Garganum Alpinis, Ápenninumque nivalem 
Permistis sociate jugis, & rupibus Z/Emum 
Addite Caucasis, involvite Pelion Osse. 
Non dabitis murum sceleri. : Qui vindicet, ibit. 
Omnia subsident meliori pervia cause. 110 
Nec tamen oblitus civem cedentibus atrox 


161 


Already had their leaders found a grave: 

One* by his sword :—the secondf in the wave : 

Their own destroyers both !— Alps covers this :— 

The other lies within the Derr Asyss. 

For direful vengeance called two brothers} slain, 135 
. Unpitied fell the authors of their pain. 

The victims pacified each royal shade ; 

To sepulchres the sacrifice was made ; 

The Manes of the youths in purple vest, 

The culprits’ immolation laid to rest. 140 

THESE triumphs seeméd security to lend 
The cause of justice, which the gods befriend. 

Learn, future ages, nought withstands the Just, 

And Crime, for safety, can to nothing trust. 

With steps concealed the hero forward moved : 145 
E/en rumour failed, his sudden coining proved. 

Long ways he passed: the paths obscure he took : 

And hills of strength, and plains, alike forsook. 

Heap rocks on rocks; tow'rs strong and lofty found ; 
Enclose the streams; vast woods with ramparts bound ;150 
Garganus on the Alpine summits set ; 

The cold and snowy Apenninus get 

Upon the Pyrenees’ rough cloud-capt space ; 

On Caucasus’ high top, Mount Heemus place ; ; 

To Ossa Pelion join ;-—'twould all be vain :— 155 
No walls in safety villany maintain ; 

Th’ avenging hand shall steadily proceed, 

And ev'ry pass the cause of virtue heed. 


X 
” Arbogastes. + Andragathius. t Valentinian II. and Gratian. 


+ 


162 
Partibus infremuit. Non insultare jacenti 
Malebat, mitis precibus, pietatis abundans, 
Pone parcus erat. Paci non intulit iram 
Post acies.. Odiis idem, qui terminus armis. 
Profuit hoc vincente capi, multosque subactos 
Prospera laturee commendavere catena. 
Magnarum largitor opum, largitor honorum: 
Pronus & in melius gaudens convertere fata. 
Hinc amor, hinc validum devoto milite robur. 
Hinc natis mansura fides: Hoc nobilis ortu 
Nasceris, zequava cum majestate creatus, 
Nullaque private passus contagia sortis. 
Omnibus acceptis ultro te regia solum 
Protulit, & patrio felix adolescis in ostro, 
Membraque vestitu nunquam temerata profano 
In sacros cecidére sinus. — Hispania. patrem 
Auriferis eduxit aquis. Te gaudet alumno 
Bosporus. Hesperio de limite surgit origo : 
Sed nutrix Aurora tibi. Pro pignore tanto 
 Certatur. Geminus te civem vindicat axis. 
Herculis, & Bromii sustentat gloria Thebas. 


Heesit Apollineo Delos Latonia partu ; 


115 


120 


135 


130. 


163 


Yer always mindful of the civick name, 
To act with clemency appeared his aim ; ' 160 
Not insult add to those who prostrate lay, 
Nor from their supplications turn away ; 
With kindness Theodosius’ bosom glowed, - 
And to their suff’rings, tenderness he showed. 
By pardon peace was sealed ;—contention o'er, 165 
Ill-will and enmity were felt no more. 
Such captives happy should esteem their lot, 
Who chains, instead of favour, might have got. 
With lib'ral band he boons and honours gave; 
And, trembling, culprits, pleasure took to save. 170 
The people's love and sturdy warriour's sword 
Will to his race be true, and strength afford. . 

IrLusTRiOvs prince, who spring from such a line: 
Honorius ! born with majesty to shine, 
Who ne'er by private station were debased, 17 
But who, from dawn of life, the palace graced ; 
In native purple grew, and never laid 
Your limbs on clothes for humble stations made :— 
With sacred coverlets intwined around, 
Repose within th’ imperial mansion found : 130 
Spain’s golden streams your father’s morning chcered ; 
The Bosphorus your early smiles revered ; 
First viewed your ancestors the WESTERN rays; 
Aurora nourished your primeval days ; 
For such a precious pledge contentions spring : 185 
Both worlds their claims with anxious fervour bring. 
The glory, which attends Alcides name 
And rosy Bacchus’ brow, to Thebes gives fame ; 
Latonian Delos, at Apollo's birth, 
Her wand ring changed to stationary earth ; 190 

> 9 


C 


164 


Cretaque se jactat tenero reptata Tonanti. 
Sed melior Delo, Dicteis clarior oris, 


Quse dedit hoc numen regio. Non litora nostro 


" Sufficerent angusta Deo. Nec inhospita Cynthi - 


Saxa tuos artus duro lesere cubili, 

Acclinis genitrix auro, circumfloa gemmis, 

In Tyrios enixa toros. Ululata verendis 

‘Aula puerperiis. Que tunc documenta futuri ? 


Qut voces avium? quanti per inane volatus ? 


Quis vatum discursus erat? Tibi corniger Ammon, 


Et dudum taciti rupere silentia Delphi. 

Te Perse cecinere Magi. Te sensit Etruscus 
Augur, & inspectis Babylonius horruit astris. 
Chaldei stupuere senes, Cumanaque rursus 
Intonuit rupes, rabide deluhra Sibylla. 

Nec te progenitum Cybeleius tere sonoro 
Lustrabat Corybas. Exercitus undique fulgens 
Adstitit. .Ambitus signis augustior infans 
Sentit adorantes galeas, redditque ferocem 
Vagitum lituis., Vitam tibi contulit idem 
Imperiumque dies. Inter cunabula Consul 
Proveheris. Signas posito modo nomine fastos ; 
Donaturque tibi, qui te produxerat, annus. 


Ipsa Quirinali parvum te cinxit amictu 


135 


140 


145 


150 


145 


165 


And Crete feels proud that, on her. favoured sod, 
The mighty THUNDERER, in childhood trod. 
But better, farfrom Delos’ narrow shore 
And Dicté's top, the clime your cradle bore, 
High Cynthus, with inhospitable head, 195 
Had for your limbs been found a rugged bed. 
"Mid gold, and gems, and dress with purple wrought, 
You, by a mother fond, to life were brought ; 
The palace rang with resonance revered ;— 
What omens then of future times appeared ! 200 
With anxious care predictors. sought for light, 
From notes of birds, —their number,—end their flight. 
For you great Jupiter of Ammon spoke, 
And Delphi, lately mute, drear silence broke. 
For you their voice the Persian sages raised ; 205 
Th' Etrurian augur your fair promise praised ; 
The stars looked strange to Babylonian eyes ; 
The old Chaldeeans felt extreme surprise; 
Again Cumean rocks produced the sound. 
Which oft had spread the frantick Sibyl round. ^ 210 
Non Corybas, from Cybelé’s abode, 
Did then with tinkling meta] incommode. 
A line of warriours shone on every side: 
The royal ensigns waved in silent pride ; 
The helmets bowed ; the clarions pierced the sky, 2138 
And mixed their echoes with your infant cry. 
The day, that gave you birth, gave empire too ; 
And, from the cradle, you a consul grew. 
Graced with your name the calendars appear: 
To you is sacred made your nete] year. | 230 
Your infant limbs were by your mother twined, 
* With robes that Romulus for state designed. 


— LI et 


166 


Mater, & ad primas docuit reptare curules. 

_ Uberibus sanctis, immortalique Dearum 
Crescis adoratus gremio. "Tibi sepe Diana 
Meenalios arcus venatricesque pharetras 
Suspendit, puerile decus. Tu ssepe Minerve 
Lusisti clipeo, fulvamque impune pererrans 
Egida, tractasti blandos interritus angues. 
Saepe tuas etiam jam nunc gaudente marito 
Velavit Regina comas, festinaque voti 
Presumptum diadema dedit. Tum levibus ulnis 
Sustulit, & magno porrexit ad oscula patri. 
Nec dilatus honos. Mutatus principe Cesar 
Protinus sequaris fratri: nec certius unquam 
Hortati Superi. Nullis preesentior ether 
Affuit ominibus. Tenebris involverat atra 
Lumen hiems, densosque Notus collegerat imbres. 
Sed mox, cum solita miles te voce levasset, 
Nubila dissolvit Phoebus, pariterque dabantur 
Sceptra tibi mundoque dies. — Caligine liber 
Bosporus adversam patitur Chalcedona cerni, 
Nec tantum vicina nitent: sed tota repulsis. 
Nubibus exuitur Thrace. Pangea renident, 


Insuetosque palus radio Mxotia vibrat. 


160 


170 


173 


180 











167 


When crawling forth, your early pow’rs to prove, 
She taught you t'wards the iv'ry throne to move. 
On sacred bosoms, in your childhood placed ; 995 . 
With fondest care by goddesses embraced : 
You grew away :—Diana "bout you tied 
Bows that on Menalus she oft had tried, 
And quivers, to amuse your eager sight; 
Minerva's shield you viewed with great delight ; 230 
And, wand'ring fearlessly the segis round, 
Your dauntless eye the serpents fawning found. 
Enchanted with her spouse, the royal dame, 
Anticipating joys froin future fame, 
Before the time, with anxious haste was led 2935 
To place a diadem upon your head. 
Then in her arms she bore the precious prize, 
To greet a father’s lip with longing eyes. 

WitTu princely gracefulness you soon appeared ; 
Your brother's equal, Cesar, now revered ; 24.0 © 
More cheering signs ne’er showed the pow’rs.on high : 
Til omens overspread the azure ‘sky ; 
Black tempests far and wide drear darkness cast ; 
Thick rains were gathered by the SouTHERN blast; 
But when the soldiers’ acclamations strong 245 
Announced, your elevation, to the throng, 
Aside at once these clouds bright Phoebus hurled :— 
To you a ScEPTRE gave, and Lion the world. 
The Bosphorus, from gloomy mists relieved, _ 
Allowed Chalcedon’s tow’rs to be perceived : . 950 
The neighb'ring fields were clear ;—the haze, removed ; 
And distant Thrace, an open prospect, proved ; ~ 
Pangea shone; and o'er Meotis’ wave, 
Reflected rays unusual splendour gave, 


168 


Non Boreas nimbos, non Sol ardentior egif. 


. Imperii lux-ille fuit. Presagus obibat 


Cuncta nitor: risitque tuo Natura sereno. | 
Visa etiam medio populis mirantibus audax 
Stella die, dubitanda nihil, nec crine retuso 
Languida, sed quantus numeratur notte Bootes. 


.Emicuitque plagis alieni femporis hospés 


Ignis, & aguosci potuit, cum Luna lateret. 
Sive parens Augusta fuit, seu forte reluxit 
Divi sidus avi, seu te properantibus astris 


.. Cernere Sol patiens ccelum commune remisit. 


Apparet quid signa ferant. Ventura potestas 
Claruit Ascanio, subita cum luce comarum 
Tnnocuus flagraret apex, Phrygioque volutus 
Vertice, fatalis redimiret tempora candor. 

At tua ceelestes illustrant omina flamme:. 


Talis ab Ideis primeevus Jupiter antris 


. Possessi stetit arce poli, famulosque recepit 


Naturà tradente Deos. Lanugine nondum 


Vernabait vultus, nec adhuc per colla fluebant 


Moturee convexa coms. Tum scindere nubes 
Digcebat, fulmenque rudi, torquere lacerto. 
Leetior augurio genitor, natisque superbus 
Jam paribus, duplici fultus consorte redibat, 


185 


190 


193 


205 


169 


Nor Boreas’ breath, nor Sox's more piercing pow’r, 235 
With vapours caused the atmosphere to low’r ; 
Upon the empire was the light bestowed :— 
Smiles o'er you spread, and Naturz fondly glowed. 
A STAR andacjous, in the midst of day, 
With wonder filled the people, by its ray. 260 
No languid beams, nor blunted, dubious light; o. 
But like Bootes in the depth of night. 
The flame unseen before atéention drew 
When Luna’s lustre was concealed from view. 
Your royal mother, doubtless, 'twas appeared, 265 
Or else the god, your grandfather, who cheered, 
"Mong stars that anxiously your presence sought, 
And which the Sun permitted to be brought 
Within his course, awhile at large to range :— 
The signs were clearly seen, however strange. 270 
Prospecrive greatness on Ascanius gleamed, - 
When o’er his head propitious brightness beamed ; 
And round the Phrygian princes brow was twined 
The lucid emblem Destiny designed. 
But Heav'n itself your elevation showed, 275 
And with celestial flame the omen glowed. © | 
So youthful Jupiter, from Ida's grot, 
When on Olympus' sacred heights he got, | 
'The world his own, received the homage due, 
From gods that NATURE to obedience.doew. 290 
Not yet.had down begun his chin to shade, 
Nor o'er his shoulders were those locks displayed, 
Designed to shake the world :—then first he tried 
To hurl the thunder and the air divide. 
Tue royal father, by tne omen cheered, 285 
And proud of sons whom he so much revered, 
Y 


170 


Splendebatque pio complexus pignora curru. 
Haud aliter summo gemini cum patre Lacones - 


Progenies Ledea sedent: in utroque relucent . 


Frater, utroque soror. Simili chlamys effluit auro. 


Stellati pariter crines. Juvat ipse Tonantem 
Error, & ambigue placet ignorantia Matri. 
Eurotas proprios discernere nescit alumnos. 
Ut domus excepit reduces, ibi talia tecum 
Pro rerum stabili fertur ditione locutus.. 

Si tibi Parthorum solium fortuna dedisset, 
Care puer, terrisque procul venerandus Eois 
Barbarus Arsacio consurgeret ore tiaras : 
Sufficeret sublime genus, luxuque fluentem 
Deside nobilitas posset te sola tueri. 

Altera Romane longe rectoribus aula 
Conditio, virtute decet, non sanguine niti : 
Major & utilior fato conjuncta potenti, 

Vile latens virtus. Quid enim submersa tenebris 
Proderit obscuro? veluti sine remige puppis. 


Vel lyra, que reticet; vel, qui non tenditur, arcus. 


Hanc tamen haud quisquam, qui non agnoverit ante 


Semet, & incertos animi pacaverit estus, 


Inveniet. Longis illuc ambagibus itur. 


205 


210 


295 


171 


Two pledges of support which he possessed, 

As back the chariot drove he fondly pressed. 
Tuus Leda’s sons, the Spartan twins, repose 

With that great parent who the lightning throws ; 

Alike in each fraternal features shine :— 

Their sister Helen's lineaments divine ; 

On flowing robes of gold, and round their hair, 

Innumerable stars of splendid. glare.’ | 

Mistake if made, the. THuNDERER, delights ; 

Th’ uncertainty the mother’s smiles excites ; 

And e’en Eurotas almost vainly pores 

To know the nurslings nourished on his shores. 
Howe’er, returned within the palace gate, 

To you thus spoke your sire on things of state. 


290 


300 


“ Dear son, had Fortune placed within thy hands 


'* The Parthian sceptre; and BARBARIAN bands, 


“ From Eastern climes, had bowed to thy renown, 


“ Triumphant oer Arsaces’ triple crown; 

* Thy lofty birth would luxury defend : 

“ On royalty alone thou might'st depend. 

" But other claims imperial Rome requires :— 
“ Not solely blood the breast of Virtue fires ; 
“ Most great and useful when by acts revealed ; 
' And small the value while she lies concealed. 
*" In darkness sunk she useless must remain, 

“ Just like a ship that ploughs the liquid plain 
* Without a mar iner the helm to guide; 

* Or lyre unstrung ; or bow with string untied. 
* Not one, howe’ er, can this expect to find, 

“ Who has not first examined well his mind, 


* And learned to calm the angry gusts that rise:— 
“ Through winding ways the road to V 1rRTUE lies. 


Y 9 


305 


310 


315 


172 


Disce orbi, quod quisque sibi. Cum conderet artus 
Nostros, etheriis miscens terrena Prometheus, 
Sinceram patrio mentem furatus Olympo 230 
Continuit claustris, indignantemqué revinxit. 
Et, cum non aliter possent mortalia fingi, 
Adjunxit geminas. Ille cum corpore lapsm 
Intereunt: hiec sola manet, bustoque superstes 
Evolat. Hanc alta capitis fundavit in arce 235 
Mandatricém operum, prospecturamque labori. 
Illas inferius collo, preceptaque summa 
Passuras domine digna statione locavit. 
Quippe opifex, veritus confundere sacra profanis, 
Distribuit partes animes, sedesque removit. 240 
Iram sanguinei regio sub pectore cordis (| 
Protegit imbutam flammis, avidamque nocendi, 
Preecipitemque sai. Rabie succensa tumescit. 
Contrahitur stupefacta metu. Cumque omnia secum 
Duceret, & requiem membris vesana negaret 245 
Invenit pulmonis opem, madidumque furenti - 
Preebuit, ut tumidz ruerent in mollia fibre. 
At sibi cuncta petens, uil collatura cupido 
In jecur, & tractus imos compulsa recessit. 


Que velut imtnanes 'teserat dot béllue rictus, - 250 


173 


Learn for the world,what each for self should weigh ; 
‘* Prometheus, mixing air with ductile clay, 320 
** Our bodies formed, purloining Reason pure, 
* On high Olympus, and to make her sure, 
** Placed chains around, in spite of efforts made 
** A prison’s close confinement to evade. 
* Unable otherwise to fashion man, 395 
** ‘Two pow'rs he added to complete the plan ; 
* While life remainsthey in the body vest: 
‘* When that expires, they perish with the rest. 
** This mixed formation Reason sole survives, 
* And, from déstruction to escape, contrives. $30 
* Placed in the head, she o'er the whole presides, 
** Directs the actions, and proceedings guides. 
* Her slaves below, subjected to her will, 
* Have settled stations worthy of their skill. 
* For, fearing to confound what's sacred thought, — $35 
* With what is held profane, Prometheus sought 
“ To fix in various seats the parts of SENSE :— 
* Beneath the heart, where veins of blood commence, . 
* Within the space that burns and swells with rage, 
* And chilling fears again the heat assuage, $40 
* Sits ANGER armed with flame, in crime profuse, 
** Possessed with phrensies that to ill conduce :— 
* Her fury all oercame ; each ‘linfh was moved 
- “ With agitations that fatiguing proved : 
* Th’ opposing lungs a humid rampart lay, _ 345 
* And timid fibres presently gave way. — 
** But anxious all to grasp, and nought bestow, 
* CupiDITY was driven far ;below, ° 
* Within the liver's region to reside: 
* A horrid beast, whose jaws, extended wide, 350 


174 


Expleri pascique nequit: nunc verbere curas 

Torquet avaritise, stimulis nunc flagrat amorum, 

Nunc gaudet, nunc moesta dolet, satiataque rursus 
Exoritur, ceesaque redit pollentius Hydra. 

Hos igitur si quis potuit sedare tumultus, 255 
Inconcussa dabit purse sacraria menti, 

Tu licet extremos late dominere per Indos, 

Te Medus, te mollis Arabs, te Seres adorent : 

Si metuis, si prava cupis, si duceris ira, 
Servitii patiere jugum : tolerabis iniquas 260 
Interius leges. ‘Tunc omnia jure tenebis, 

Cum poteris rex esse tui. Proclivior usus 

In pejora datur, suadetque licentia luxum, 

Illecebrisque effrena favet. Tum vivere caste 

Asperius, cum prompta Venus, tum durius ire 265 © 
-Consulitur, cum poena patet. Sed comprime motus: 
Nec tibi quid liceat, sed qvid fecisse decebit, 

Occurrat, mentemque domet respectus honesti. 

Hoc te preterea crebro sermone monebo, 

Ut te totius medio telluris in ore 270 
Vivere cognoscas, cunctis tua gentibus esse 

Facta palam; nec posse dari regalibus usquam 

Secretum vitiis. Nam lux altissima fati 


175 


* Can ner be filled, nor satisfied her will :— 
* She writhes with avaricious longings still ; 
* Now burns for love, now joy ;; now smarts with grief: 
* A Hydra,—nothing gluts nor gives relief. 
* Whoe'er these ebullitions can subdue, 355 
“ Will find pure Reason to his int'rests true. 
* In vain should distant India thee obey, 
* The Medes to thy commands due honours pay, 
* To thee the Arabs and the Seres bow: 
* If fear within thy breast thou shouldst allow, 360 
* Depravity prevail, or anger move: 
“ To thee the worst of bondage would they prove; 
* Iniquity thy bosom will pervade, 
* And vicious laws which excellence degrade. | 
* But o'er thyself with due attention reign, 365 . 
* And then the world with justice thou shalt gain. 
* From bad to worse the inclination leads, 
* And, from unbridled license, ill proceeds ; 
* Allurements rise ;— then innocence appears 
* A rugged life, while Venus’ solace cheers ; 370 
* We scarcely can succeed to stifle rage, 
* When vengeance prompts our feelings to engage. 
“ But keep thy motives thoroughly concealed ; 
* Consider well, these always unrevealed, 
* Not what thou canst, but what thou should’st decide, 3^ 
*^ And let the sense of honour be thy guide. 
* To thee J often shall these hints renew, 
* 'That thou may'st ever fully hold in view,— 
** Thy life, to observation open lies, 
* And on thy actions nations fix their eyes. 380 
** The faults of royalty can no where find 
* A secret corner to concealment kind ; 


176 


Occultam nihil esse sinit, latebrasque per omnes 

Intrat, € abstrusos explorat fame recessus. q75 
Sis prius in primis. Nam cüm vincamur in omni 
Munere, sola Deos equat clementia nobis. 

Neu dubie suspectus agas : neu falsus amici, 
Rumorumve avidus. Qui talia curat, manes 

Horrebit strepitus nulla non anxius hora. 280 
Non sic excubis, non circumstantia pila, 

Quam tutatur amor. Non extorquebis amari, 

Hoc alterna fides, hoc simplex gratia donat. 

Nonne vides, operum quo se pulcerrimus ille 

Mundus amore lige£, nec vi connexa per evum 285 
Conspirent elementa sibi? quod timite Pheebus 
Contentus medio, contentus litore pontus? 

Et qui perpetuo terras ambitque vehitque, 

Nec premat incumbens, oneri nec cesserit aer ? 

Qui terret, plus ipse timet. Sors ista tyrannis 290 
Convenit. Invideant claris, fortesque trucident, 

Muniti gladiis vivant septique venenis, 

Ancipites habeant arces, trepidique minentur. 

Tu civem, patremque geras. Tu consule cunctis, 


177 


* The splendid light, on princes, cast by FATE, 
** Will nothing suffer to disguise their state ; 
* Each dark recess the piercing rays receives, 385 
* And Fame no spot unpenetrated leaves. 
* Be thy first pride in mercy to excel :—— 
** Whatever feelings in our bosoms dwell, - 
** Stull higher virtue by the gods is shown: 
** We equal HWxav'n by CrEMENCY alone. 390 
* Esteem with hesitation ne'er bestow, 
** Nor let thy friends dissimulation know ; 
* No willing ear to idle rumours give : 
‘© Each hour, 'mid fear and horrour, list’ners live, - 
** Nor guards nor num'robg armies render sure:— 395 
** The people's love is always most sécure. Í 
‘© Affection ne'er canst thou obtain by force : 
‘© In mutual faith and kindness lies the source : . 
* Look round the universe :—below ; —on high ;— 
* "Tis Cancorp forms the everlasting tie ; 400 
* In harmony the elements, retains ; 
‘© To certain limits Phoebus’ course, restrains ; 
‘* Confines the foaming Ocean's billowy roar, 
** To bounds defended by the craggy shore ; 
* And Earth is balanced by the ambient air, 405 
** Which seems, without constraint, the weight to bear. 
* Fear fills his breast who, terrours, spreads around ; 
** And such each tyrant's destiny is found. 
** Of glory envious, and to valour foes, : 
* 'Mid swords they dwell :—on poisons seek repose; 410 ^ 
** And from high domes, commanding ev'ry way, 
** With trepidation menaces convey. 
** Thou bear'st the citizen and father's name : 
** The good of ALL should be a consul's aim ; 
Z 


178 


Non tibi. Nec tua te moveant, sed publica vota. 


In commune jubes si quid, censesve tenendum, 
Primus jussa subi. Tunc observantior equi 
Fit populus, nec ferre negat, cum viderit ipsum 
Auctorem parere sibi. Componitur orbjs 
Regis ad exemplum. Nec sic inflectere sensus 
" Humanos edicta valent, ut vita regentis. 
Mobile mutatur semper cum principe vulgus. 
His tamen effectis, neu fastidire minores, 
Neu pete preescriptos homini transcendere fines. 
Inquinat egregios adjuncta superbia mores. 
Non tibi tradidimus dociles servire Sabseos 


Armenie dominum non te preefecimus ore ; 


Non damus Assyriam, tenuit quam femina, gentem. 


Romani, qui cuncta diu rexere, regendi : 
Qui nec Tarquinii fastus, nec jura tulere 


Crsaris. Annales veterum delicta loquentur. 


Herebunt macule. Quis non per ssecula damnet 


Cesare portenta domus? Quem. dira Neronis 
Funera, quem rupes Caprearum tetra latebit 
Incesto possessa seni? Victura feretur 


Gloria "Trajani; non tam quod Tigride victo, 


: 295 


300 


305 


310 


315 





179. 


** 'To self no marked prelation should be shown : 


“ Prefer the people's welfare to thy own. 


* WHATE'ER:thou order'st for the common weal, 
* Or thou should'st praper for the publick feel, 


* Be first thyself obedience to observe, 


* And none will from thy laws attempt to swerve. 


* 'To mandates of their own if’ monarchs bow, 
* The people readily their force allow. 

* ‘The sov reign 's actions modify the whole : 

* No powrs the human mind so well control, 


* As bright examples beaming from the throne : 


** "The prince to copy are the vulgar prone: 
* YET other duties still demand thy care :— 

* To show disdain and violence, forbear ; 

“ Nor seek to trample on the human race : 

* Pride oft the‘highest' virtues will disgrace. 

* We grant not docile Sabé for thy sway, 

'* Nor to thy rule Armenia' $ realm convey, 

** Nor to thy hands intrust Assyria's climes, 

‘© Which to a female bowed in former times ; ; 


* But Romans who, long masters of the world, . 


415 


490 


." 490 


, 435 


* From pow'r, both Tarqpin proud and Cesar, hurled. 


“ Old annals to posterity will show 


** The horrid stains disgraceful crimes bestow. ' 
* "Through future ages won't each vistuous breast . 


“ The Cesars’ monstrous wickedness detest ? 
“ With execration learn the cryel pain, 
* Which those endured by bloody Nero slain ; 


“ And hideous guilt that Capr's’s roeks concealed, 


* Where hoary ege, detested vice, revealed ? 
“ In after times will Trajan's fame be known ; 


“ Not merely bands on Tygris’ banks o'erthrown, 


Z2 


440 


445 





180 


Nostra triumphati fuerint provincia Parthi, | 

Alta quod invectus fractis Capitolia Dacis ; - 
Quam patrie quod immitis erat. Ne desine tales, 

Nate, sequi, si bella tonant, prius agmina duris 320 
Exerce studiis ; ; & sevo preestrue Marti, | 

Non brum requies, now hibernacala segnes 

Encrvent torpore manus. Ponenda salubri 

Castra loco: prebenda vigil custodia vallo. 

. Disce ubi densari cuneos, ubicornua tendi — 395 
JEquius, aut iterum flecti: que montibus apttb, 

Que campis acies, que fraudi accommoda vallis : 

Quse via difficilis. Fidit si manibus hostis, 

Tum tibi murali libretur machina pulsu. — 

Saxa rota. Priecéps aries protectaque portas 530 
Testudo feriat. Ruat emersura juventus 

Effessi per operta soli. Si longa moretur 

Obsidio ; rum vota cave secura remittas, 

Inclusumve putes. Multis damnosa fuere 

Gaudia.  Dispersi pereunt, somnove soluti. 335 
Sepius incaute trocuit victoria turbe. 

Neu tibi regificis teptoria larga redundent 

. Deliciis, neve imbelles ad signa maniplos 

Luxuries armata tra!'rat: neu flantibus Austris, 





18 


* Nor num'rous Parthians in subjection placed, 


«t€ 


et 


Nor Dacians conquered, who his triumphs graced, 
As t'wards the Capitol his chariot moved :— 
"Twas Mercy that his brightest glory proved. 450 
O son, let such be ever in thy view; : 
The great example steadily pursue. 

* Yr war resounds, thy young battalions train 


** To bear fátigue and martial knowledge gain; ' 


Nor winters rest nor slothful ease permit 455. 
To make their hands to wield the sword unfit, 

For thy encampments choose a healthy space, 

And watchful sentihels on thmparts place. 

Learn where: to close the columns :—where extend ;—- 
Or when the flanks again should inward bend; 460 
What troops should oceupy the heights around, 

And those most proper for the level ground; 

The valleys best for artfal senbuscades ; 

And winding ways perplexity pervades. 

In ramparts should the enemy confide, 465 
Against his walls let engines be applied : - 

Hurl heavy stones ;—the batt'ring ram employ, 

And (safe with TouTorsE-Roor,) the gates destroy ; 
While subterraneous paths the Youu explore, 

And, on a sudden, spread the city o'er. 470 . 
If long the siege, security suspect ; 

'Gainst sallies froms within, no means neglect ; 

Oft joys too confident have lost the day :— 

The force dispersed, or sleeping, fell a prey. 

In Vicr'uv might th’ unwary often trace 475 
The latent cause of subsequent disgrace. 


Keep from thy tents the splendid, courtly glare, 


Lest, round thy standards, lux'ry should repair ; 





189 


Neu pluviis cedas : neu defensura calorem 340 
Aurea summoveant rapidos umbracula Soles. 

Inventis utere cibis : sdlabere partes 

JEquali sudore tuas. Si collis iniquus, 

Primus ini  Silvam si cedere provocat usus, 

Sumpta ne pudeat quercum stravisse bipenni. 345 
Calcatur si pigra palus, tuus ante profundum 

Preetentet sonipes. Fluvios tu protere cursu 

Herentes glacie, liquidos tu scinde natatu. . 

Nunc eques in medias equitum te consere turmas : 

Nunc pedes assistas pediti. Tum promptius ibunt 350 
Te socio : tum conspicuus, gratusque feretur 

Sub te teste labor. Dicturum plura parentem | 

Voce subis: Equidem, faveant modo Numina coeptis, 


Heec effecta dabo: Nec me fratrique, tibique 


Dissimilem populi commissaque regna videbunt. 355 


Sed cur non potius, verbis quse disseris, usu 
Experior? gelidas certe nunc tendis in Alpes. 

Duc tecum comitem. F igant sine nostra tyrannum 
Spicula. Pallescat nostro sine barbarus arcu. 


Italiamne feram furiis preedonis acerbi. 360 





188 


* Brave SouTHERN blasts and penetrating rain ; 
** Nor of the heat in open air complain; ' — 480 
** Nor seek, beneath gold canopies, a shade, | 
** Where thou, tbe piercing sun-beams, may'st evade. 
* With frugal, common dishes be content ; 
** To share the soldiers’ toil, be always bent ; 
«* First climb thyself the craggy hillack's side ; 485 
* And if, in traversing a forest wide, ' : 
** "Tis requisite to.fell some lofty oak : 
* Ne'er blush to take the axe and give the stroke. 
** The fens, in depth, let first thy courser try ; 
*€ To rivers frozen o'er, thy foot apply; , 490 
* Swim thro’ the streams: now 'mid the squadrons move: 
** Then, to the infantry thy love to prove, 
«< Among them mix and march as they proceed : 
* While thou art by, fatigue they less will heed ; 
* Partaker of their toil, they'll freely go: 495 
* With ardour, at thy sight, each breast will glow." 
STILL more your royal father would have said, 
When you, to interrupt him, thus were led : 
* IF gracious HEAv’n’s decrees will me allow, 
** To your advice implicitly I'll bow ; 509 
** Beneath me, men no diff rent rule shall view, 
** Than what Arcadius and my sire pursue. 
* But rather should not I by practice gain 
** What your instructions purport to obtain? 
* Now t'wards the icy Alps your footsteps bend, 505 
** Permit me on your progress to attend. 
** The tyrant, from my arrows, death, will feel, 
* And o’er BarBarians trembling terrours steal. 
** Shall I behold fair Italy a prey 
** To plunderers that horrours round display ? - 510 


184 


Subjectam. Patiar Romam servire clienti? 

Usqueadeone puer ? nec me polluta posestas, 

Nec pia cognati tanget vindicta cruoris ? 

Per strages equitare libet. . Da protinus arma. 

Cur annos obicis? pugne cur arguor imper? $65 
JEqualis mihi Pyrrhus erat, eum Pergama soles 

Verteret, & patri non degeneraret Achilli. 

Denique si princeps castris heerere nequibo, 

Vel miles veniam.  Delibat dulcia nati 

' Oscula, miratusque refert; Laudanda petisti : 370 
Sed festinus amor. . Veniet robustior estas. 

Ne propere. ‘Necdum decimas emensus aristas 
Aggrederis metuenda viris. Vestigia magne 

Indolis agnosco. Fertur Pelleeus Eoum 

Qui domuit Porum, cum prospera sepe Philippi — 375 
Audiret; letos-inter flevisse sodales, 

Nil sibi vincendum patris virtute relinqui. 


Hos video motus. Fas sit promittere patri. 





185 


* Rome bear beneath a vassal to submit ?— 
* Am Ia child for ev'ry thing unfit? | 
** Shall I unmoved see insults to the throne, 
* And vile attempts on blood so near my own? 


à Through fields of gore and slaughter let me ride? 515 


** ‘To give me proper arms, at once decide ; 

* Why should an obstacle be made my age? 

** Why thought unfit amid the battle's rage ? 

* Like me was Pyrrhus, when alone his pow'rs 

* Overthrew Troy's battlements and lofty tow’rs, 

^ And showed distinctly, by the course begun, 

** -His prowess worthy great Achilles’ son. 

** If then in catops, as prince, I cannot move, 

** ]'ll thither go, a soldier’s plight to prove.” 
Your father fondly clasped you to his breast, 

And, smiling, thus his sentiments expressed :— 
* Tuy anxious wishes merit ev ty praise ; 

* But don't too soon thy expectations raise ; 

*€ Though’ greatly eagerness a parent cheers, 


520 


529 


* Yet wait the strength derived from added years; 530 


** Be not in haste ;—thou scarcely yet hast seen 
** Ten summers beam upon thy youthful mian, 
* And thou, with men, aspirest to engage :— 

«** Such traces, doubtless, excellence presage. 


** The prince*, who first his breath at Pella drew, 


‘© And Oriental Porus overthrew, 


* When told the num'rous laurels Philip gained, 
** To joyous friends around, "tis said, complained, 
* With floods of tears, so great his sire's renown, 


535 


‘© No wreaths. were left his own fond hopes to crown. 540 


2A 


* Alexander the Great. 


186 


Tantus eris: nostro nec debes regna favori, 
Que tibi jam natura dedit. Sic mollibus olim 
| Stridula ducturum pretis examina regem 


Nascentem venerantur apes, & publica mellis 


Jura petunt, traduntque favos. Sic pascua parvus 


. Vindicat, & necdum firmatis cornibus audax 
Jam regit armentum vitulus, Sed prelia differ 
In juvenem, patiensque meum cum fratre tuere 
Me bellante locum. Vos impacatus Araxes, 
Vos celer Euphrates timeat, Sit Nilus ubique 
Vester, & emisso quidquid Sol imbuit ortu. 

‘Si pateant Alpes, habeat si caussa secundos 
Justior eventus, aderis, partesque receptas 
Suscipies, animosa tuas ut Gallia leges 

Audiat, & nostros sequus modereris Iberos. 
Tunc ego gecurus fati, leetusque laborum 
Discedam, vobis utrumque regentibus axem. 


Interea Musis, animus dum mollior, insta, 


Et, que mox imitere, legas: nec desinat unquam 


380 


385 


390 


395 








187 


* These dispositions I with joy behold ; 
* In thee may Heav'N a father's wish unfold! 
** 'Thou'lt equal Macedonia’s lofty line; 
** The various realms denominated thine, 
*^ Are not derived from favour fondly shown, 545 
* But Nature's gifts, already all thy own. 

“ 'THus bees, their new-born monarch honour, pay, 
** Designed loud swarms to lead through meadows gay, 
* And gather sweets along th’ enamelled field, 
* Which, for the honey-comb, materials yield. 550 
“ So, scarcely horned, the growing bull maintains, 
*^ Audaciously, his pow’r o’er herds and plains. 

* Bur wait for youth, in warfare to engage ; 
* And, while I hasten 'mid the battle's rage, 
* Do thou, together with thy brother, try 53 
«* To rule the state, my station to supply. 
* May swift Euphrates and Araxes bold, 
* With trembling fear, your arms, one day, behold : 
* Be yours whate'er Nile waters in his course, 
* And every clime that feels Sor's rising force. 560 
* Should Alps give way when I their barriers press ;— 
* [f cause most just be crowned with fyll success ; 
* The sev'ral parts reconquered by our hands _ 
* Shall then subjected be to thv commands; 
* Fierce Gaul submissly shall thy laws obey, 45 
* And our Iberia own thy equal sway. 
* Of FATE secure, I finish my career, 
* Well pleased both worlds your government rcvere. 

* HowEVvER, to the Muses now attend, 
* While early years the best impression lend ; 570 
« various books thou readest in thy youth, | 
* ‘WY age mature thou'lt reverence for truth. 

2A89 





188 


Tecum Graia loqui, tecum Romana vetustas. - 
Antiquos evolve duces. Assuesce future 
Militie. Latium retro te confer in evum. 400 
Libertas quesita placet? mirabere Brutum. 

Perfidiam damnas? Meti satiabere poenis. 

"Triste rigor nimius? Torquati despue mores. 

Mors impensa bonum? Decios venerare ruentes. 

Vel solus quid fortis agat, te ponte soluto 405 
Oppositus Cocles, Mucii te amma docebit. 

Quid mora perfringat, Fabius: quid rebus in aretis 

Dux gerat, ostendat Gallorum strage Camillus. 

Discitur hinc nullos meritis obsistere casus : 

Prorogat wternam feritas tibi Punica famam, 410 
Regule. Successus superant adversa Catonis. 

Diecitur hinc quantum paupertas sobria possit ; 

Pauper erat Curius, cum Reges vinceret armis, 

Pauper Fabricius, Pyrrhi cum spernere taurum. 

Sordida Serranus flexit Dictator aratra. (415 
Lustratee lictore caste, fascesque salignis 

Postibus affixi, collecte Consule messes, 


Et sulcata diu trabeato rura colono, 








189. 


** Let Greece her famed antiquities present, 

“© And Rome the glories of her wide extent ; 

.'* On former heroes’ actions fully dwell;  ' |. 3575 
** The future fields for war consider well ; 

** The long renown of ancient Latium view.;— 

* If LrarnTY's return thou wouldst pursue, 

* Contemplate Brutus.; —Shouldst thou treach'ry hate, 

* Thyself with Metius’ frightful torments sate. 580 
* If rigour most severe. distress thy breast, 

** "Torquatus' dread austerity detest. 

** Should death, for country’s good, thy plaudits claim, 

** Adore the Decii, of immortal mame. 

*€ Still further wouldst thou ?—Cocles proudly own, 585 - 
** Who, on the bridge in ruins, stood alone. ' 

** From Mutius’ suff ring flame, example take; ' 

** Let Fabius’ caution due impression make ; 

** See what, with careful steps, may be obtained, 

** By battles that, o'er Gauls, Camillus gained. . 599 
* Learn hence that merit, howsoever tost, 

** With perseverance never will be lost. 

* Thou liv'st, O Regulus! in mem'ry’s page, | 

* "Through Punick cruelty, from age to.age ; 

** And Cato, by adversity, was set o7 595 
. * Above his rivals, who successes met. 

** Hence know what temp'rate poverty can do: 

** The frugal Curius mighty kings d’erthrew ; 

“ Fabricius, poor, could Pyrrhus’ gold withstand ; 

"* Serranus, though dictator, ploughed the land; ^ 600 
** The humble huts were by the lictor graced: 

« Against their willow-doors the Fasczs placed; 

** In harvest consuls laboured, crops to store; | 

** And tilled the ground while robes of state they wore.” 


190 


Hsc genitor precepta dabat. Velut ille carine 
Longevus rector, variis quem ssepe procellis 420 
Exploravit hyems, ponto jam fessus & annis 
ZEquoreas alnj nato commendat habenas, 

Et casus artesque docet, quo dextra regatur 

Sidere, quo fluctus possint moderamine falli : 

Qus nota nimborum :. que fraus infida sereni : 425 
Quid Sol occiduus prodat: quo saucia vento 

Decolor iratos attollat Cyntbia vultus. 

: Adspice nunc, quacumque micas, seu circulus Austri, 

| Magne parens, gelidi seu te meruere Triones : 

Adspice, completur votum. Jam natus adequat 430 
Te meritis, &, quod magis est optabile, vincit, | 
Subnixus Stilicone tuo : quem fratribus ipse 

Discedéns clipeum defensoremque dedisti. 

Pro nobis nihil ille pati, nullumque recusat 

Discrimen tentare sui: non dura viarum, 435 
Non incerta maris. Lybisz squalentis arenas 

Audebit superare pedes, madidaque cadente 

Pleiade Geetulas intrabit navita Syrtes. 

Hunc tamen in primis populos levitate feroces, 

Et Rhenum pacare jubes. Volat ille citatis 440 
Vectus equis, nullaque latus stipante caterva, 


‘era nubiferas qua Rheetia porrigit Alpes, 


191 


To you these precepts Theodosius gave :— 605 
Like one, who num’rous years on OcEAN's wave 
The vessel steered and oft dread tempests tried, 
Now, old and weary of the stormy tide, - 
To guide the helm o'er waters trusts his son, 
And him instructs how perils best to shun ; ; . 610 
Points out the stat that aids the sailor's course ; 
Shows how to counteract the.billows’ force; - 
The signs that token heavy:clouds of rain: 
What marks perfidious azure skies maintain : 
The presages when Sor at eve descends, 615 
And raging winds the.moon's pale look portends. 

O Parent Great!- where'er you rays unfold, 
In regions Souru,—or NonrTH ‘mid icy cold, 
Accomplished see your anxious, fond desire :— 
A son whose merit emulates his sire ; 620 
And, what's still greater, he-has e'en excelled, 
By your own Stilicho's support upheld, 
Whom to the brothers gladly you bequeathed, 
As guardian shield, when at the last you breathed. 
For us he ev'ry toil and danger dares;  . 625 
The rugged roed and troubled ocean bears; — 
Will boldly traverse Libya's sandy waste; 
And, where the Pleiades, at setting, haste, 
Audacious mariner, without dismay, | 
He'l through Geetulian quicksands make his way. — 630 
At your commands, fierce.nations to subdue, 
Who on the banks of Rhine disquiet grew, 
He streight proceeded t'wards the hostile shore ; 
O'er cloud-capped Alps his coursers swiftly bore ; 
He unescorted passed rough Rhetia's height, 635 
And reached the spot unruffled with affright. 


492 


Pergit, & hostiles, tanta est fiducia, ripas - 

Incomitatus adit. "Totum: properare per eminem. 
Attonitos humili Reges cervice videres. — 445 
Ante ducem nostrum flavam sparsere Sicambri . 
Cesariem, pavidoque orantes murmurg F mendi. 
Procubuere solo. Juratur Honorius absens, U 
Imploratque tuum supplex Alamanin nomén. ^ 

Bastarnee venere truces, Venit accola silva . * 450 
Bructerus. Hercynie. Latisque paludibus. exit 

Cimber, & ingerites ‘Albin: liquere Cherusci. 

Accipit ille preces varias, tardeque rogatus 

Annuit, & magno pacem pro munere dopat. ! 

Nobilitant veteres Germenioa federa Drasos, ^. — 454 
Marte sed ancipiti, sed multis cladibus empta. 

Quis victum meminit sola formidine Bhenum? 

Quod longis alii bellis potuere aereri, 

Hoc tibi dat Stiliconis iter. Post otia Gall 

Limitis, hortaris. Graias fulcire ruipas. - 460 
Ionium tegitur velis, ventique laborant . | 

Tot curvare sinus, servaturasque Corinthum 

Prosequitur facili Neptunus gurgite classes. 

Et puer Isthasiaci jam pridem littoris exal 

Secura repetit portus cum metre Palemon. 465 





193 


Astonished kings were seen with fallen crest, 
Who eagerly across the river pressed ; 

The fierce Sicambrians, frantick with despair, 
Before our gen’ral, spread their flaxen hair ; 
And, consternation painted on the face, 

The Franks, with trembling lips, entreated grace. 
Their oaths to witness was Honorius named, 
And suppliant Germany his mercy claimed. 
Bastarne cruel thither quickly flew ; 


From woods Hercynian, near the Druct'ri drew; . 


Their wide extended fens the Cimbri left ; 

And of Cherusci was the Elbe bereft. 

From ev'ry side petitions he received, 

And by degrees their terrours were relieved : 

A boon of magnitude the chief bestowed, 

When peace at length they to his goodness owed. 
To Drusus, glory German treaties brought ; 

But that by slaughter great, and dearly bought. 

Who can the Rhine remember overthrown, 

And subjugated by dismay alone ? 

What others, by a length of warfare, gained, 

You, from this step of Stilicho, obtained. 
Wuewn Gaul’s extent to order was restored, 


Greece tott'ring, for support, your arms implored : 


Ionia’s waves a num’rous fleet beheld, 

And winds with labour on the canvass dwelled. 

The ships their course, by Neptune's favour, bore 

Along the liquid plain to Corinth's shore. . - 

At length Palemon, who had left his home, 

An exile from the isthmus forced to roam, 

In safety with his mother now returned, 

To greet the port for which their bosoms burned. 
2B 


640 


645 


650 


660 


665 


194 


Plaustra cruote natant: metitur pellita juventus. 
Pars niérbo, pars ense perit. Non lustra Lycwi, 
Non Erymanthée jam copia sufficit umbre 
Innumeris exusta rogis, nudataque fetro - 

Sic flagrasse suas lgtantur Meenala silvas. 470 
Excutiat cineres Ephyre; Spartanus & Arcas | 
Tutior exengues pedibus proculcet acervos ; 

Fessaque pensatis respiret Greecia poenis. 

Gens, qua non Scythicos diffusior ulla Triones 

Incoluit, cui parvus Athos, augustaque Thrace, 473 
Cum transiret, erat; per te, viresque tuorum 

Fracta Ducum, lugetque sibi jam rara superstes, 

Et, quorum turbe spatium vix prebuit orbis, 

"Uno collelatent. Sitiens, inclusaque vallo . 
Ereptas quesivit aquas, quas hostibus ante 480 
, lrrigues alio Stilico deflexerat actu, 

Mirantemque novas ignota per avia valles 

Jusserat averso fluvium migrare meatu. 

Obvia quid mirum viuci, cum Barbarus ultro 

Jam cupiat servire tibi? tua Sarmata discors 485 
Sacramenta petit: projecta pelle Gelonus 











195 

In floods of gore the wheels of warriours moved ; 
The fur-clad youths no longer pow’rful proved: — 670 
By dire disease had some been swept away, - 
While others victims of the battle lay. 
Not all Lyceus' branches, brought in. aid, 
Nor plenteous stores from Erymanthus' shade, 
When heaped the lofty fun’ral piles to raise, 675 
Were found sufficient for the holy blaze; r 
And Meenalus, with pleasure, wood supplied, 
To burn the relicks of the havock wide. 
Let Corinth scatter ashes to the air :— 
Let Sparta and Arcadia (freed from care,) 680 
On slaughtered heaps of lifeless bodies tread ; 
And weary Greece take breath, relieved from dread ! 
A nation which o'erspread wide Seythia's snows :— 
Fierce hordes that Athos’ brow could not enclose, 
And e'en too narrow proved th’ extent of Thrace, 685 
To give the savages sufficient space, 
Now, breathless, by your blows and gen’rals, fell : 
Few scaped, with mournful sighs their grief to tell ; 
And those, the world of late could scarcely bound, 
Contracted on a single hill were found. 690 
With thirst tormented as entrenched they lay, 
They sought for water, turned another way, 
Which Stilicho at first, by means expert, 
With wondrous skill had managed to divert, 
Through vales unknown, where he contrived a course, 695 
In which the river from the foe to force. 

WnaAT cause for wonder then in this defeat, 
When you, toserve, BARBARIANS now entreat? 
The cross Sarmatian with your ensigns moves ; 
The Gelon, stript of furs, a soldier proves, 700 — 

2B2 


196 


Militat: 1n: Latios ritus transistis Alani. 

Ut fortes in Marte viros, animisque paratos, 

Sic justos in pace legis, longumque tueris 

Electos, crebris nec succedentibus urges. 490 
Judicibus notis regimur, fruimurque quietis 

Militiaque bonis; ceu bellatore Quirino, 

Ceu placido moderante Numa. Non imminet ensis, 
Null nobilium cedes : non crimina vulgo 

 Texuntur: patria moestus non truditur exul ; 495 
Impia continui cessant augmenta tributi : 

Non infelices tabula: non hasta refixas 

Vendit opes : avida sector non voce citatur : 

Nec tua privatis crescunt sraria damnis. 

Munificus largi, sed non & prodigus, auri. — 500 
Perdurat non empta fides, nec pectora merces 

Alligat: ipsa suo pro pignore castra laborant. 

Te miles nutritor amat. Que denique Rome 

Cura tibi? quam fixa manet reverentia patrum? - — 503 


Firmatur senium juris, priscamque resumunt 





197 


For you makes war ;—th’ Alani even seek 

T' adopt the ways that Latin manners speak? 
Ir, mid the battle's rage, you heroes cheer; 

In peace, the friends of justice, you revere ; 

A pledge of constancy appears your voice : 


Nor length of time nor whim inverts your choice. - 


Our magistrates are able rulers known ; 

The good, from rest or war, is all our own. 
"Twas thus in Romulus's martial day ; 

And such when blessed with Numa’s placid sway. 
No sword impendent threatens o'er the head ; 
No blood of nobles wantonly is shed ; 

No impositions round allowed to creep ; 

No exile forced his native land to weep. 

From heavy tribute, that fell pow’r increased, 
The realm oppressed is happily released : 

No registers of victims doomed to die ; 

No spears* that sales of plundered goods imply ; 
The auctioneer for buyers bawls no more ; 

And private property ne'er heaps your store. 
Munificently gifts your hand bestows, 

While prodigality no action shows, 

No sordid means fidelity secure, 

Nor gold's allurements firm regard ensure. 


705 


710 


715 


720 


Throughout the camp, where passed your earliest years, 725 


Each hand and heart to serve you prompt appears. 
Wuar fond affection Rome may proudly own! 


How great the rey'rence for the fathers shown ! 
'To usages, antiquity gives strength ; 
Their ancient empire, laws resume at length ; 


* A spear was set up at all auctions. 


730 


198 


Canitiem leges, emendanturque vetuste, 

Acceduntque nove. Talem sensere Solonem 

Res Pandionie. Sic armipotens Lacedemon 

Despexit muros rigido munita Lycurgo. 510 
Que sub te vel caussa gravis, vel judicis error | 
Negligitur? dubiis quis litibus addere finem 

Justior, & mersum latebris educere verum? 

Que pietas, quantusque rigor, tranquillaque magni 

Vis animi, nulloque levis terrore moveri ; 515 
Nec nova ntirari facilis! quam docta facultas 

Ingenii, linguteque modus ! responsa verentar 

Legati, gravibusque latet sub moribus setas. 

Quantus in ore pater radiat! quam torva voluptas 
Frontis, & august majestas grata pudoris ! 

Jam patrias imples galeas: jam cornus avita 520 
Tentatur vibranda tibi. Promittitur ingens 
Dextra rudimentis, Romanaque vota moratur. 

Quis decor, incedis quoties citpeatus, & auro 

Squameus, & rutilus cristis, & casside major! 

Sic cum '"Threicia primum sudaret jn basta, 595 
Flumina feverunt paerum Rhodepeia Martem. 


Que vires jaculis! vel cum Gortynia tendis 





199 

And, where the old decrees to error tend, 
New institutes are issued such to mend. , 
Twas thus th’ Athenians, Solon’s rules, revered;— : - 
So walls, round pow'rful Lacedsemon reared, ; 
Were less relied on by the Spartans brave, 735 
Than ordinances stern Lycurgus gave. 
What thing important or decision wrong 
Ts ever left by you unheeded long ? 
Who dubious causes better can decide, 
And drag to light the truth which parties hide ? 740 
While kindness and severity, combined 
With tranquil ease, pervade your lofty mind, 
No terrours swiftly round you spread affright, 
Nor novelties astonishment excite. 
Your knowledge and capacity are clear: | 745 
In ev'ry wotd superior charms appear ; 
Your answers raise ambassadors' surprise : 
And, wrapped in manners grave, youth hidden lieg. 

In ev'ry feature is your father seen : 
Majestick ease conjoined with modest mien. 750 
Now on you is a parent's helmet placed ; 
The lance your ancestors had often graced, 
At once so dext'rously by you is thrown, 
The Romans fondly glow such pow'rs to own, 
What noble elegance in ev'ry air, 755 
Whene'er the shield, or armour gilt, you wear ;— 
The head-piece, covered with the lofty crest, 
Of ruddy tufts, that play above the rest ! 
So Mars, on Rhodopé, in boyish hours, 
With Thracian lance, amused his growing pow'rs: 760 
Then plunged his body in the flowing wave, 
The perspiration from his limbs to lave. 





200 


Spicula, quam felix arcus, certique petitor 
Vulneris, & jussum mentiri nescius ictum ! 
Scis quo more Cydon, qua dirigat arte sagittas 
Armenius, refugo que sit fiducia Partho. 

Sic Amphionie pulcer sudore palestrae 
Alcides pharetras, Dirceaque tela solebat 
Preetentare feris, olim domitura Gigantas, 

Et pacem latura polo: semperque cruentus 
Ibat, & Alcmene praedam referebat ovanti. ^ 
Czruleus tali prostratus Apolline Python : 
Implicuit fractis moritura volumina silvis. 
Cum vectaris equo, simulacraque Martia ludis, 
Quis molles sinuare fugas, quis tendere contum 
Acrior, aut subitos melior flexisse recursus ? 


Non te Massagetee, non gens exercita campo, 


Thessala, non ipsi poterunt square bimembres. - 


Vix comites alse, vix te suspensa sequuntur 


Agmina, ferventesque tument post terga dracones. 


Utque tuis primum sonipes calcaribus arsit, 


Ignescunt patule nares. Non sentit arenas 


Ungula, discusseeque jube sparguntur in armos. 


580 


535 


540 


545 


201. | 


With what superior strength you javelins throw ! 

What force receives the arrow from your bow! 

Which, faithful to your hand, the object gains, 765 

And, with unerring flight, your. wish attains. 

You fully comprehend the Cydon art, 

The skill Armenian to direct the dart, 

And what high confidence the Parthians place, 

In safety from celetity of pace. 710 
Tus, ‘mid the spot, within Amphion's town, 

Allotted to contentions of renown, 

Alcides, while the drops his face o'erspread, 

Against wild beasts those darts and weapons sped, 

With which at length the Grants he o'erthrew, — 775 

And on himself celestlal favour drew : 

Witb hands still bloody from the streams of gore, 

The spoil he, to Alemena smiling, bore. 

So by Apollo's pow'rs tbe Python died, 

And in its folds wrapped trees from ev'ry side. 780 - 
WHEN riding, in your play resembling fight, 

Who better can the horse direct aright :— 

Extend the lance t' igflict the fatal blow ;— 

Or back in speed, with sudden turning, go? . 

Massagete, nor Thracians of the plain, 785 

Nor Centaurs, o'er you, could a triumph gain. 

Nor those companions who as wings are seen, 

Nor squadrons ready held with anxious mien, 

Your rapid onset scarcely can pursue, 

While at their backs the banners swell to view. 790 . 

When once the spur has made your courser bound, 

His nostrils flame :—he hardly feels the ground ;— 

The mane dishevelled o'er his shoulders flies ;— 

The splendid furniture disordered lies ;— 


.gC 





2028 


Turbantur phalerz. Spumosis morsibus aurum 
Fumat. Anhelantes exundant sanguine gemmae. 
Ipse labor pulvisque decet, confusaque motu 
Cesaries. — Vestis radiato murice Solem 
Combibit. Ingesto crispatur purpura vento. 

5i dominus legeretur equis, tua posceret ultro 
Verbera Nercidum stabulis nutritus Arion, 


Serviretque tuis contempto Castore franis 


Cyllarus, & flavum Xanthus sprevisset Achillem. 


.I pse tibi famulas praeberet Pegasus alas, 
Portaretque libens, melioraque pondera passus 
Bellerophonteas indignaretur habenas. 

Quin etiam velox Aurore nuntius- thon, : 
Qui fugat bhinnitu stellas, roseoque domatur 
Lucifero, quoties equitem te cernit ab astris, 


Invidet, inque tuis mavult spumare lupatis. 


550 


Gr 
Ox 
Ct 


560 


Nunc quoque quos habitus, quante miracula pompae 


Vidimus, Ausonio cum jam succinctus amictu 
Per Ligurum populos solito conspectior ires, 
Atque inter hiveas alte veherere cohortes, 
Obnixisque simul pubes electa lacertis. 
Sidereum gestaret onus! sic numina Memphis 
In vulgus proferre solet. Penetralibus exit 


Efigies ; brevis illa quidem : sed plurimus infra 


370 


203 


The golden bit with foam is overspread ; |. 795 
And o'er the gems is froth, by blood made red. 
The dust and heat, with hair in disarray, 
Fresh graces round you seemingly convey ; 
The'Sux's bright beams add splendour to your dress, 
And purple floats in air as ZEPuyRs press. 800 
Coup horses be allowed to have a choice, 
And, for a master, freely give their voice, 
Arion, by the Nereids fondly fed, 
Would to your stables willingly be led ; 
aan i 
Contemning Castor, Cyllarus would move, - 805 
And docile to your reins and wishes prove; | 
To serve Achilles, Xanthus might disdain ;— 
E'en Pegasus's wings would you sustain, 
And, proud to bear a load of such renown, 
Would on Bellerophon's directions frown. 810 
Aurora's swift precursor, /Ethon, too, 
Who, neighing, drives the stars from azure view, 
Submissive to the rosy rays of day, 
As oft he ventures, froin the spangled way, 
Upon your horse to look, would fain submit, 815 
And envy fecls, to toam and champ your bit. 
Wurar rich and sumptuous dresses met the eycs ! 
What splendid elegance to raise surpr ise, 
When, with Ausonian robes on ev'ry side, 
Ligurians, to behold you, fondly vied, 820 
Borne high, among the troops in pomp arrayed, 
Whose chosen youth the shining charge conveyed ! 
So Memphis to the crowd her idols rears ;— 
A statue short, from sacred niche, appears ; 
But num'rous priests with linen overspread, —— 825 
On beams the image raise abové their head ; 


20 2 





204 


Liniger imposito suspirat vecte sacerdos 
Testatus sudore Deum. Niilotica sistris 
Ripa sonat, Phariosque modos /Egyptia ducit 
Tibia. Submissis adinugit cornibus Apis. 
Omnis nobilitas, omnis tua sacra frequentant 


Tibridis & Latii soboles. Convenit in unum 


575 


Quidquid in orbe fuit procerum, quibus auctor honoris 


Vel tu, vel genitor. Numeroso Consule Consul 
Cingeris, & socios gaudes admittere patres. 
Illustri te prole Tagus, te Gallia doctis 

Civibus, & toto stipavit Roma Senatu. 

Portatur juvenum cervicibus aurea sedes, 
Ornatuque novo gravior Deus. Asperat Indus 
Velamenta lapis, pretiosaque fila smaragdis . 
Ducta virent. Amethystus inest, & fulgor Iberus 
Temperat arcanis hyacinthi cerula flammis. 
Nec rudis in teli suffecit gratia textu : 

Auget acus meritum, picturatumque metallis 
Vivit opus, multaque ornantur iaspide cultus, 
Et variis spirat Nereia bacca figuris. 

Que tantum potuit digitis mollire rigorem 
Ambitiosa colus? vel cujus pectinis arte 
Traxerunt solide gemnrerum stamina tele ? 
Invia quis calidi scrutatus stagna profundi 


Tethyos invasit gremium ? Quis divitis algee 


et 


580 


585 


590 


595 


205 


And, panting with the heavy load imposed, 
Divinity is by their toil disclosed ; 
Nile’s shore, with trumpet-clangour, rings around ; 
Th’ Egyptian flute reechoes back the sound, 830 
Tn strains that Pharos’ usages adore ; . 
And Apis, stooping, joins with hollow roar. 
In numbers nobles come from ev'ry.side, 
From Tiber's banks, from Latium's champaigns wide, 
W hoe'er, throughout the world, has gained command,835 
From you, or from your royal father's hand, 
With one accord repairs, in anxious haste, 
To view those rites, and sacred tokens placed. 
As consul, num'rous consuls you have near, 
And pleasure feel "mid elders to appear ;— 840 
From Tagus, chiefs of birth ;—from Gaul, men sage: 
And all Rome’s senate in the scene engage. 
Raised on youth's shoulders glares a throne of gold, 
Where shines a god delightful to behold ; ' 
His robe with India's jewels overspread:  : 845 
_ Rich Em'ralds sparkle 'mid the woven thread ; | 
The Amethyst its beaming blue displays, 
And mixes with the Jacinth's flaming rays. 
Nor was the nat'ral texture of the dress, 
Alone sufficient, grandeur to express : 850 
The needle beauty on the whole bestows, 
Along the tissue precious metal glows, 
While store of Jasper gleams, disposed with taste, 
‘And figures elegant, by pearls are graced. 
What pow’rful hand such polish could achieve ? 855 
What loom so nicely, sumptuous gems, inweave ? 
Who fathomed seas unknown ?—the wat'ry deep >— 
Or Tethys’ bosom means devised to sweep?— 


- 


- -— 


206 - 


Germina flagrantes inter quaesivit arenas? 

Quis junxit lapides ostro? quis miscuit ignes 

Sidonii rubrique maris? tribuere colorem 600 

Phoenices, Seres subtemina, pondus Hydaspes. 

Hoc si Meonias cinctu graderere per urbes, 

In te pampineos transferret Lydia thyrsos, 

In te Nysa choros, Dubitassent Orgia Bacchi 

Cui furerent. Trent blande sub vincula tigres. 605 
Talis Erythreeis intextus nebrida geminis 

Liber agit currus, & Caspia flectit eburnis 

Colla jugis : Satyri circum, crinemque solute . 

Menades adstringunt ederis victricibus Indos. 

Ebrius hostili velatur palmite Ganges. 610 

Auspice mox letum sonuit clamore tribunal, 

Te fastos ineunte quater sollennia ludit 

Omnia libertas. Deductum Vindice morem 

Lex celebrat, famulusque jugo laxatus herili 

Ducitur, & grato remeat securior ictu. 615 

Tristis conditio pulsata fronte recedit. 

In civem rubuere gene, tergoque removit 


Verbera permissi felix injuria voti. 


207 


For treasures sought among the, burning sands, 

Or grass-wrack lying on the surgy strands ?— 860 

The royal purple joined with jewels rare, | 

And mixed Sidonian fire with Rep Sra glare? 

The glowing tints Phoenicians hither bore : 

Silk, gave the Seres :—stones, Hydaspes’ shore. 

Thus, through Meonian towns should you proceed, 8635 ” 

With thyrses, twined in vines, would Lydia speed ; — 

To you would Nysa choral singers bring : — 

The sacred rites of Bacchus madly ring 

And e'en fierce tygers, from the woods : and plains, 

Grow mild and bend beneath your easy chains. 870 
So Bacchus, clad in skins embroidered o'er, . 

With jewels from the Erythraan store, 

Sits in his car, which Caspian monsters move, 

That to his iv’ry yokes obedient prove ; 

Around the Satyrs on the triumph wait; . 875 

With loosened hair the: Menades, elate, 

Twine ivy-links "bout Indus’ tawny race, 

And hostile palms on Ganges tipsy place. 
Now your tribunal rang with joyful cries ; 

Your fourth commencement echoed through the skies, 880 

When in our calendars your names appeared, 

And LisEnRTY with usual transport cheered. 

The ancient laws of Vinpex take their sway; 

'The servants, freed, no more their lords obey : 


To you presented, slaves return secure,  * 885 
No longer destined bondage to endure; 
The woful state recedes with downcast mien, 
And honest blushes on the face are seen ; 
From rights of eitizen assured the heart, 

899 


And saved the back from scourges' poignant smart. 


208 . 


Prospera Romuleis sperantur tempora rebus — 

In nomen ventura tuum. , Preemissa futuris 620 
Dant exempla fidem. Quoties te cursibus sevi 

Preefecit, toties accessit laurea patri. | 

Ausi Danubium quondam tranare Gruthungi 

In lintres fregere nemus. Ter mille ruebant —— 

Per fluvium plent cuneis immanibus alni. 625 
Dux Odotheus erat. ante conamina classis 

Incipiens etas & primus contudit annys, 

' Submerse sedere rates. Fluitantia nunquasa 

Largius Arctoos pavere cadavera pisces. 

Corporibus premitur Peuce. Per quinque recurrens 630 
Ostia Barbaricos vix egerit uada cruores. 

Confessusque parens Odothei regis opima 

, Rettulit, exuviasque tibi. Civile secundis 

Conficis auspieiis bellum. Tibi debeat orbis ' 

Fata Gruthungorum, debellatamque tyraunum 635 
Ister sanguineos egit te Consule montes. mE 
Sed patriis olim fueras suocessibus auctor, 

Nunc eris ipse tuis. Semper venere triumphi 

Cum trabeis, sequiturque tuos victoria fasces. 








209 


Tu’ Imperra realm may confidently hope, 
Your name to prosp’rous times the way will ope;— 
Examples, drawn from recollections past, 
Are future pledges that the course will last. 
Oft as your consulship the year gave name, #§ , 895 . 
Your father, laurels, added to his fame. 
In former days, to pass the Danubes tide, 
Gruthungi bold, for boats, scooped timber wide : 
Three thousand shallops, filled with savage band, 
The river traversed to the further strand ; 900 
Inhuman force, by Odothzus led : 
Your natal year, when fame first round you spread, 
These num'rous skiffs were plunged beneath the wave, 
And NonrurnN dead the fish a banquet gave. 
Large heaps of bodies covered Pucé oer: 905 
The stream, encumbered with BARBARIAN gore, 
Through five wide mouths that opened to the main, 
Could scarcely, with the load, old Ocean gain ; 
And gratefully your parent felt delight, | 
With Odothzus’ spoils, to greet your sight. 910. 
Your second consulship with joy beheld 
The direful rage of civil discord quelled; 
A tyrant slain, Gruthungi overthrown, 
Are glories that the world allows your own ; 
With blood-stained floods the Ister took its course, 915 
And heaps of dead were rolled by liquid force. 

But, long the author of a sire’s success, 
. Now laurels all your own around shall press; 
Your consul-robes proud triumphs always drew, 
And, with your F'Ascxs, Victory we view. 920 
Use ev'ry means, to exercise with skill 
The pow’rs belonging to the place you fill ; 

2 D | 


' 210 


Sis precor assiduus Consul, Mariique rclinquas, 640 
Et senis Augusti numerum. Que gaudia mundo, 

Per tua lanugo cum serpere cceperit ora, 

Cum tibi prodiderit festas nox pronuba tedas ! 

Quz tali devota toro, que murice fulgens 

Ibit in amplexus tanti Regina mariti? 645 
Quzenam tot Divis veniet nurus, omnibus arvis, 

Et toto dotanda mari? quantusque feretur 

Idem per Zephyri metas Hymenzeus & Euri! 

O mihi si liceat thalamis intendere carmen 

Connubiale tuis, si te jam dicere patrem ! 659 
Tempus erit, cum tu trans Rheni cornua victor, 

Arcadius capte spoliis Babylonos onustus, 

Communem majore toga signabitis annum, 

Crmitusque tuo sudabit fasce Suévus : 


Ultima fraternas horrebunt Bactra secures. 655 





211 


More oft your consulships may Rome behold, 
Than Marius numbered, or Augustus told ! 

Wuar glowing pleasure will the world pervade, 925 
When, o'er your chin, soft down has progress made, 
And, on your nuptial night, bright torches spread 
Their cheering light around the genial bed ! 

Who shall the splendid couch with you divide, 

And, decked in purple, prove the happy bride? 930 
What beauteous belle, a rank divine allowed, 
Shall, through regard, with empire be endowed? 
How lib'rally to Hymen praise will flow, 
Wherever Zrrüvnus and Eunvs blow ! 

O may my verse perinitted be to sing © 935 
Your wedded bliss :—the name of Patuer ring! 

The time shall come when you, with conquest crowned 
From realms beyond the creeks Rhine’s waters bound,— 
Shall, with Arcadius, from the glorious toil 

Of Eastern wars, mid Babylonian spoil, , 910 
Together mark our calends with your name : 
The rough Suevi with you seck for fame; 

And, at the world's extremos, tbe Bactrians dread 
Battalions by th' imperial brothers lcd. 


epa 


EPITHALAMIUM 


ON 


HONORIUS and MARY. 








PREFACE. 








WuEn Thetis’ nuptials, num'rous gods, from high, 
Together drew beneath the vaulted sky, 
That arches Pelion o’er from side to side, 
Stern Neptune, father to the lovely bride, 
And crowds of Sistrrs from the briny wave, 5 
Continued banquets to th’ ImmorTaLs gave; 
Old Chiron handed Jove the cup of mirth, 
His horse-knee gently bending t’wards the earth; - 
To nectar, icy floods Peneus changed, 
And sparkling wine down (Eta’s borders ranged ; 10 
Terpsichoré her lute with rapture played, 
And led melodious choirs in grottos: shade : 
Harmonious strains, that tender vows expressed, 
Cheer'd guests divine and charm’d the Tuv ND'RER'S breast. 
No songs the Fauns and Centaurs e'er approve, 15 
These notes nor Rhoetus please nor Pholus move. 


214 


Szv’n ‘times aloft had Hesperus shone bright, 
And still the choirs were seen, "mid beaming light : 
Apollo drew such accents from his lyre, 

As rocks to soften and the trees inspire ; 

The strings expressed Achilles’ future fame :— 
Now Phrygian slaughter :—Simois now the same; 
With Hymen's glory rang Olympus’ bound, 

And Othys,—Ossa,—echoed Turris! round. 


20 


Tse Farr, designed to make Honorius blessed, 
With flame, ’till then wnfelt, had filled his breast: 
In love a novice, he ne'er yet perceived, 
Whence came this fire, nor why those sighs he heaved. 
The chase ;—his horse :—to both he bade adieu:—  — 5 
Nor thought of arrows ;—nor the javelin threw ; 
Imagination wholly was confined, — 
To features Cupid pictured in the mind. 
From deep recesses groans would often stray, 
And secret sentiments the blush betray ; 10 
His hand, with nat'ral impulse, fondly traced | 
"The cherished name, that all his soul embraced. 
Now, for the object of his anxious care, 
He presents rich prepared and jewels rare, 
Bat which in brilliancy diminished seemed, 15 
Near Mary’s charms, that with transcendence beamed ;— 
Once ornaments superb, which Livia wore, 
And beauteous goddesses whose reign was o'er. 
Hope grew impatient ;—Day appeared to stay ;— 
And Pheebe’s wheels moved slowly on their way. 20 

So Scyros’ maid*, as yet devoid of art, 
With love inflamed the young Achilles’ heart ; 
His martial hands, designed the sword to wield, 
By her instruction, thread from spindles reeled ; 
lier rosy fingers combed Thessalian hair, 25 
O'er Ida destined terrours soon to bear. 


* Deidamia the daughter of Lycomedes, king of Scyros. 


216 


* WnaT strange suspense !'" —he to himself exclaimed ; 
** Will these delays eternally be framed ? 
* Why should this charmer's father be so slow, 
* And, to my wish, such inattention show ?— 30 
* Defer the promised union to conclude, 
* And supplications constantly elude? 
* Like monarchs, to connubial joys inclined, 
* I ne'er the sense to pictured forms resigned : 
* No female spy commissioned to repair, 35 
** Through num'rous domes, to cull the beauties rare: 
** No fickle love by me was ever shown ; 
* No foul disgrace on mafried couples thrown ; 
*. Nor, trusting to deceitful portraits’ charms, 
* Have I, in wedded bosoms, raised alarms. 40 
** But her, to me betrothed, I fondly claim ; 
* To join our hearts was my famed father's aim; 
« The blood maternal that within her flows, 
* With me to one great ancestry she owes. 
* 'Th' imposing sway of pow'r I've laid aside, 45 
* And humbly in the su&or's ways confide. 
* From sacred bounds, my anxious wish to press, 
.'* T nobles sent who highest rank possess. 
“© Stilicho, I readily agree, 
* The grant's not small solicited by me ; 50 
* But surely I, a prince of highest birth, 
* Descended from the sov'reign of the earth, © 
* Who with a brother's daughter joined your hand, 
“ Whence Mary sprang,—may make the bold demand. © 
* "To me paternal kindnesses repay, 55 
* And, to the palace, charms its own convey. 
* Perhaps the mother gentler may be found :— 
* O worthy niece of one with glory crowned, 





— 217 


“© Whose heir I prove, and sit upon his tbroue : 
* Blessed FA12,—th' Iberian lime have pride to: owty ; 60 
** In whom, from blood, a sister meets my view, 
* And warm, parental care, my childhood knew ; . 
' Whose lap, my infancy, so often cheered, 
“ And, more then e'en Flaccitla’s, I revered: — 
* Why, from each other, longer keep apart, = - 65 
** Those tender pledges of your feeling beast ? 
“ Why, to your youthful fendling's open arms, 
‘* Refuse to yield a lovely daughter's charms? 
* Will ne'er the day so much desired arrive ? 
* Nor come the blissful night for which I strive?" — 70 
WirH plaintive sighs, and wailings such as these, 
Honorius sought his poignant grief to ease, | 
Arch Cupid smiled, and quietly withdrew, 
Beyond the seas in. haste the urchin flew, 
On pinions proudly raised his way he made, 75 
Aud, to his mother, joyful news conveyed. 
A STEEP and craggy hill in Cyprus lies, 
Which mortal’s steps eternally defies, ! 
Its shade extends along th’ Lonian side, | 
O’erlooks Nile's waves that sev’n wide mouths divide, 80 
.. And insulated. Pharos’ slimy bed, | 
Where Proteus, in repose, reclines his head. 
"There frosts ne'er dare their hoary cov'rings send, 
Nor winds their force, nor clouds dense vapours bend: . 
Luxuriant pleasures, and the Goppxzss Fair, 83. 
Alone regard and contemplation share ; 
The year's harsh seasons entrance ne'er obtain, 
And Spring enjoys an everlasting reign. 
The summit wide with flat expanse is crowned : 
A golden fence extends the borders round ; 90. 
|: E 


218 


The tawny-metal-palisades protect 3 

The verdant lawns with 'beauteous flow rs bedecked, 
As rumour. speaks, ‘twas with this shielded space, 
That Vulcan gained the conjugal embrace : 
Uxorious fondness led him to bestow.  . 05: 
The pales superb which strength and splendour show. 
Within, to cultivate the fertile soil, | 

No hands in husbandry are forced to toil ; 

The Zeruyrs’ breath alone inspires the earth : 

To richest fruits perpetually gives birth ; 109 
Along tbe shady grove no bird can wing, 

Unless the goddess first have heard him sing, 

And, passing judgment on the warbler's voice, 
Pronounced his accents worthy of her choice. 

Approved :—he, ‘mong the branches, seeks delight; 105 
Rejected :—back with grief resumes his flight. 

The leaves and boughs fond court to Venus pay: 

By turns the happy trees their bliss display ; . 

The Palms with Palms in mutual union twine; 

To Poplars, Poplars anxiously incline; — 110 
. The spreading Planes with sighs t'wards Planes extend ; 
And Aldars ardently to Aldars bend. 

Two fountains flow, the one a dulcet stream, 

The other's waters bitter always seem : . 
These honey mixing with infusions dire, 115 
Thence Cupid's darts from Fase their pow'r acquire. 

. Upon the ever-amiling margin round, . 

A thousand little quiver-bearers bound : 

Alike in words, in dress, the Lovx's sweet train, 

From Nympus descended of th’ enchanting plain. 196. 
The god of tender, soft desire, alone . 
By beauteous Venus is declared her own. 


219 


His bow, o'er gods, and Heav’n, and stars, has sway, 
And mighty kings his sov’reign force obey. 
'The former, wounds, inflict on vulgar hearts, 195 
Nor higher ranks escape their piercing darts. 
Here Liserry without restraint is seen, 
And gusts of ANGER presently serene ; 
Sly MipN1IGuT-W ATCHINGS, moist with rosy ‘wine ; 
TEARs void of art, and PArENrss' love-worn line; 130 
AssURANCE falt'ring in his first attempt ; 
FrA4xn pleased; and PrEAsunE not from fears exempt. 
Arch, sportive Persurtss, with pinions light; 
And wanton YovuTH with crest of lofty height, 
Who, 'mong the rest, accustomed round torove,’ — 135 
Denies Or» AGE an entrance to the grove. 

Tue goddess’ palace at a distance stands : 
The glare, in dazzling, playful beams, expands, 
Which mixing with the trees and shining leaves, - 
The brilliant scene reflected rays receives. 140 
The skilful god among tlie Lemnians praised, — ' * 
This pile of splendid grandeur also raised ;— : 
United glowing geins with burnished gold :— : 
Great art and cost the diffrent ‘parts | unfold : 
On columns, cut from Jacinth quarries, rest 145 
Large Em'rald beams, of lustre rich possessed ; _ 
The walls aré Beryl; end; before the door, 
Rise slipp'ty steps of Jasper to the floor, 
That polished. Agate pavement overspreads, ' 
On which disdainfally-the foot dft treads;: '— * ^ -150 
Amid the plain there lies a fragrant field, - Pot 
With od'rous crops that sweetest perfumes yield : 
Here ripe Amomum :-—there nice Cassia grows :—' : 
Panchaian Cinnamon perfection shows ;—- 

2E2 


220 


, Fresh buds along the Costas’ branches peep,” 15 
And slowly down the bark thick balgams crecp. 

THE journey o'er, Love dropped bis airy flight, 
And through tbe palace moved with proud delight. 

A Seat superb dpheld the Goppess Fajr, 
Engaged in giving fashion to her heir ; 160 
Th’ InaLrAN SrsrEns stood on ev'ry side: 

One sprinkled odours, while the next applied 
The many-clefted iv Ty, formed by art, 
The flowing locks in num'rous lines to part; — 2C 
The third in various ways arganged, behind, .- — 165 
- The tresses equally, in ringlets twined, 
While some remaining, left with studious care, 
Hung negligently down with pleasing air. 
Her look to judge required no mirror’s,aid: — . 
Through all the house reflection is displayed ; 170: 
In ev'ry quarter where the goddess moves, .- 
The same her beauteous repetition proves. — 
Wu11e lovely Venus thus her image viewed, 
And self-inspectian rigidly pursued, | 
Mer son's approecbing sbade she spied with joy, 175 
And fondly to-her bosom clasped the boy. — . | 
‘“W HENCE sise these transports: wicked rogue,” she cried 
“ What new attacks bast thou so warmly tried ? 
** Thy arrow, who has felt ?—-hast thou, once more, . 
"^ Forced, "mong Sidonian heifers, Jove to roar?— 180 
. * Tamed Hyperion ?—or, from azure plain, 
''* Called Luna to the past’ral grot again ?-— 
' " A great and hardy deity, 1 see, b. a4 
^ Has been completely overpow' red by thee.” 
Tue urchin, hanging on bis mother's lip, |. 189, 
Replied, * Dear parent, joyful pleasures sip; 


tf 


221 


* A mighty trophy have our arms laid low : 

‘* Honorius’ bosom feels at length eur bow. 

** You Mary know; her sire, the gen'ral, too, — - 

* Whom Gaul ahd Italy, their rampart, view ; 190 

* Nor hidden from you is Serena's fame : 

* Now haste, and your assent at once proclaim : 

** To royal vows subscribe with fond delight,- . - 

4 And, in connubial. bonds, the pair unite.” — 
STRAIGHT Cytherea, Cupid, from her thrust, 195 

And sought ber hair to fasten and adjust : 

Her flowing robe drew in, and, round ber waist, 

Her rich and fascinating girdle placed, m 

With which she calms the storms and raging seas, 

And winds and apgry thunder can appease. . — 900 
As on the shore she-stood, and by ber side 

The little brood, she to the-urchins cried, 

** Pray, which among you, boys, will Ocran brave, 

** And Triton hither call tbrough crystal wave? 

** By him upheld, I may the waters plough :— 205 

** I never wanted him so much as now. 

‘© Our presence lofty deities await, 

** To enter on the Hymeneal state. 

** With rapid course the liquid realms explore : 

** Perhaps his shell now sounds on Libya’s shore; 210 

** Or else, as swifily o'er the DEE» he glides, 

** "Mid foam, th’ Ogygian billows he divides. . 

** Whoe'er shall find and bither make him move, _ 

** A golden quiver his reward shall prove.” 
No sooner Venus had her wish declared, 0] 

Than swarms of lovely scouts to scarch repaired. 

In seas Carpathian, Triton then pursued 

Cymothoé, who fain would bim elude, 


Ct 


229 


And, struggling anxiously to guard her charms, 

Slipt wet away from harsh-infolding arms. |^ 990 
** Ho! ho!” the little prying Fiurr’rer cried, 

* From me, no depth your am'rous pranks car hide : 

* Aquatick god, prepare without delay, : 

* Qur beauteous queen o'er OcEAN to convey. 

** No trifling recompense by labour gained, ' 295 

** Which now escapes your grasp, will be obtained ; 

* To you Cymothoé with ease shall fall, 

** The sure reward, if you obey my call.” 

The grim Sza-TrumPeTer through billows pressed, | 
His hair in waves descended t’wards the chest ;' 230 
Assisted by his curling biforked tail, | | 
(Which joins the fish where human fortis prevail, ) 
Across the foaming floods he'stretched' his course : 
Three pow’rful efforts made to dart with force, 
And, at the fourth, as forward Triton bore, 

He reached the precincts of the Paphian shore. 
To shade the goddess, he, the part below, _ 
Incurvated behind, like bending bow ; ' 

And on his back with purple scales o'erspread, . 
A couch of roses mixed their glowing red." . 240 
To traverse seas here Venus took her seat, 

While frothy waters laved her snowy feet ; 

The Loves, in numbers silently around, 

With fleetness followed o'er the vast Prorounp; 
Melodious choirs reechoed far and wide; 945 
Wreaths, Neptune's palace, decked on ev'ry side ; 
Leucothoé danced gaily on the main: 

Palzmon, dolphins, curbed with rosy rein ; 

The vilet with the grass-wrack Nereus twined ; 

Gray Glaucus’ hair, immortal herbs confined. 250 


i 
C9 
Vi 


225, 


On various monsters mounted, Nereids came, - 
Aroused by sounds fhat pierced the liquid frame; : 
One.rode a tygress of the stormy waves, 

Produced where OcEAN's surge, Tartessus, laves ; 

Another on a.sturdy ram appeared, 955 

Whieh on Aigseus’ coast ships justly feared ; 

This, on a lioness the DEEP, swam o'er: 

A lusty bull, £hat through the billows, bore ; 

Rich ornaments each eagerly conveyed, 

Intended nuptial presents to be made. 260 

Cimothoé the ehoicest girdles brought ; 

A necklace Galatea, highly wrought ; 

By Spatalé, a diadem o’erspread — 

With pearls superb, obtained from Rep Sea bed; 

And Dodo, plunging where the waters flow, 265 

Plucked coral from the rocks that lie below :— 

While under briny floods, a branching stem ;—- 

But, hardened in the air, & precious gem. 

Encircling Venus, all the naked band 

At once expressed their joy with voice and hand. — 270 
* Wr supplicate," they cried, ** O goddess fair ! 

* Our splendid: gifts to Mary you will bear: 

* Such never Thetis, on the wedding day, 

* Nor Neptune’s Amphitrité, could display. 

* May Stilicho's fair daughter rule the iain ! 275. 

* His vessels oft we, conquest, helped to gain, 

* And lent assistance when he met the foe, 

“ The Greeks dispirited to overthrow.” 

Now Triton near Liguria’s margin drew, 

The foam around. in rolling surges flew ; 280 
His weary length awhile seemed void of force, 
But presently aloft he took his course ; 


. 294 


With rapid, steady flight; he reached those walls,* 
That owe existence to the hands of Gauls, 

Where ostentatiously a skin was shown, 285 
From back of swine with woolly fleece its own. 

As Beauty's queen approached, clouds disappeared, 
And NonTHERN Brasts the Alpine summits cleared ; 
‘The warriour knew not whence his pleasure. flowed, 

And yet with secret joy his bosom glowed;  . 290 
Along the ensigns blooming flow'rs were seen, 
And.all.the lances decked in foliage green. 

To those attending, who around her pressed, 

The lovely Venus thus herself addressed : 

* AWHILE, my boys, from hence keep Mars away, 295 
* That mine alone the palace prove to-day ; 

* No armour's horrid glare shalt daze the eye: 

‘* Let threat'ning swords within their scabbards lie ; 

“ The warlike eagles and the dragons bold 

* Remain erect implanted in the mould; : 300 
** And, for the present hour, let justice yield 

** The triumph to my standards io the field. 

* "To clarions' clangour and loud trunapets’ squad, 

* Let flutes’ and lyres’ soft notes succeed around ; — 

“ The guards ‘mid arms enjoy the festive bowl, 305 
‘* And sov reign pow'r abstain from stern control : 
* The man of lofty. rank, and those below, 

** ‘Together nfutual exultation show ; | 

* Without restraint let gaiety appear, 

* Nor blush to laugh the magistrate severe. 310 
“ O Hymen ! blissful festivals direct; 

** Ye Graces! choicest flow'rs with care select ; 


* Milan. 





225 


' Sweet Concorp! double garlands fondly twine : 

* You, WixcED Atrenvants ! follow our design ; 

* In divers groups away, with ev'ry haste : 315 

“ Range lights to night in rows and forms with taste ; 

* Place cherished Myrtle branches round the door : 

* Each part with liquid perfümes sprinkle o'er ; 

* Let wood from Saba's groves the flame supply ; 

“ Veils worked by Seres show, of charming dye; 320 

* Whate'er is stained with Sidon’s beauteous shate, 

“ To open view at once shall be displayed. 

" The nuptial couch of various stuffs compose : 

“ The canopy let jewels rare disclose, : 

“ And on rich columns elegantly stand, 395 

“ Adorned with figures from the painter's hand. 

“ Not such bestowed on Pelops, Lydia's gold, 

“ Nor Menades, with Indians’ spoils, of old, 

“ And twining branches from the luscious vine, 

“ When they a bed prepared the god of wine. 330. 

" Whate'er Honorius' grand-father obtained, 

“ When he o'er Moors and Saxons vict'ries gained, 

“ Or his great sire, from num'rous battles, brought, ' 

“ When he and Stilicho together sought 

" The hostile force to meet in open fight, 335 

“ With proper-care exhibit to the sight. 

“ The presents Gelons and Armenians gave, 

“ And Meroé, that Nile’s famed waters lave, 

" With arrows stored :—whate'er from Medus’ shore, 

“ Or Parthians here from Tygris’ borders bore, 340 

“ When they with humble supplications came, 

"^ A peace submissively from Rome-to claim. 

* "Mid noble trophies, which proud triumphs own, 

“ And spoils BARBARIAN, raise the sponsal throne," 
2F 





226 


Tus said, in haste she to the palace flew, 

Where Mary nothing of her purpose knew, 
And, quite unconscious wedlock was designed, 
Received instruction from her parent kind, 
Materoal morals anxiously imbibed, 
And, with delight, heard former worth described, 
The great examples drawn from ancient time, 
When modesty appeared with charms subline. 
The Latin and the Grecian lettered-store, 
Bencath Serena’s eye, she now went o'er : 
Whate'er proceeded from old Homer's fire, °+— 
Or Thracian Orpheus, or sweet Sappho’s lyre. 

Tuus chaste Diana from. Latona gained | , 


Impressive rules which, virtuous truths, contained, 


And apt Thalia, in the native grot, 
From kind Mnemosyné pure precepts got. 
Now at a distance sparkled beauning light,. 


345 


350 


$55 


. 860 


And through ti’ astonished house glowed rays more bright; ; 


Ambrosial odour, from the goddess hair, 
Perfumed deliglitfully the ambient air; — 
‘The indications, presently displayed, 

In purest truth divinity betrayed. 

All admiration Venus stood awhile :— 
Observed, with wonder, Mary's lovely smile ; 
Then turning, on the mother’s charms, her eyes, 
Beheld her snowy tresses with surprise. 


'Tuxi& image Luna :—this.a crescent glows ;— 


The disk completely full the other shows, 

So, under parent-plant, the Laurel young 
Discloses future branches thick and strong ; 
Or, from a single stem in Prestum’s bow'rs, 
‘Two roses hang displaying beauteous flow'rs ; 


365 


, te 


370 


] MEM" NE 


297 


Full blown, the one enjoys the beams of day, 
The dews receives;and shines with radiance gay ; 
J The other still an opening bud appears, 
And seemingly the sun's bright lustre fears. $80 
ADVANCING, Cytherea silence broke, 
And thus, in flattring words, to Mary spoke : 
* AugcusT descendant :—blessed Serena s fruit :— 

«© You, future sov'reigns' mother, I salute ; 

* For you I've Cyprus left :—the Paphian grove :—385 
“*¢ Fatigues endured, and ploughed where billows rove ; 

** Too long have private roofs your charms concealed ; 

* And young Honorius' flame been unrcvealed ; 

** The honours of your royal birth embrace : | 
** Receive the diadem to give your race ; 390 
‘* Again repair to that imperial dome, : 
** Your mother's anccstors' resplendent home. 
* If you to Czxsarss blood no kindred proved ; 
* Though far from princely progeny removed : 
“© Still would the captivating charms you own, 39. 
* Be wortby found to dignify a throne. 

* What countenance would sceptres better grace : 

* Who more deserves a palace than that face? 

** The rose can never with your lips compare, 

* Nor snow your neck, nor vilets with your hair, — 400 
* Nor flame those sparkling eyes, which arches shade, 

* That, as they ope and close, delights pervade. 

* What just-proportioned tints, your check. o'erspread ! 
* The lily glows without superfluous red ; 

* Your fingers might Aurora’s envy raise ; 405 
* Diana’s shoulders merit not such praise ; 

* F’en great as are Serena s charms confessed, 

‘s Her lovely daughter is with greater blessed. 


oFe 





228 


* If Bacchus could his Ariadné trace 
* A splendid crown within th’ ethereal space, 410 
* Why less should Mary, still allowed more fair, 
* In azure frame a constellation share? 
^ For you Bootes now, ’mid vaulted skies, 
" A wreath superb of brilliant stars supplies ; 
* A radiant ring of lucid orbs, behold, 415 
* For you the HEAv'Ns propitiously unfold ; 
* A bride then go, to bless a husband's arms, 
* Extensive realms obedient to your charms. 
** The Ister anxiously shall rev'rence slow ; 
* The peoples bosoms with affection glow ; 420 
** "To your commands the Rhine will docile prove : 
** The Elbe with readiness for you shall move; 
** The fierce Sicambrians shall your laws obey: 
* What num'rous nations will your sceptre sway ! 
* The bays of OcEax on th’ Atlantick shore : 425 
* The world throughout will fondly you adore,” 

'Tuis said, the Nereids' ornaments she placed 
Around the fair, whose neck and charms they graced : 
Divided with a pin her flowing hair: 
The dress superb arranged with taste and care ; 430 
A modest blush her countenance displayed, 
And ev'ry feature spoke the lovely maid. 

A NuM'Rous train appeared in pompous state, 
With clam'rous sounds, around the palace gate: 
The chariot rich, and equipage beside, 435 
Designed from thence to bear the beauteous bride. 
The prince, inflamed by love's consuming heat, 
Was anxious for the tardy Sux's retreat. 

Tur noble courser thus, with flowing mane, 
empelled by warmth, spceds o’er Pharsalia’s plain ; 440 


- 299 


With neiphisgs loud and nostrils breathing fire, ; 
The well known stream he seeks with fond desire : 
The fruitful hopé delights the master's breast, : 
And with the choice the female stud feels blessed. 

THE troops howe'er (aside their armour laid,) ^ 445 
Around the princess’ sire* rejoicings made ; 
Not solely leaders, but the soldiers too, 

Sweet flow'rs amid the rites in numbers threw ; 
And o'er the chief* ’mong famous heroes classed, 
In thickest show'rs, ambrosial perfumes cast. — 450 
With laurel-boughs and ityrtle-branches crowned, 
Their voices thus they raised in dulcet sound :' - 
“ O GoprirKe parent! who reside on high, 
“ Or 'mong the blessed in vales Elysian lie, 
* See, 'Theodosius, Stilicho has now, ' 465 
“ To you most faithfully fulfilled his vow, 
* Repayed with gratitude the kindness shown, - 
* Remembered favours fondly made his own, : 
“ Returned the nuptial couch from whence obtained, 
* And rendered to your son the largess gained. 460 
* To you he ever justice will display, 
* Nor e'er the least reluctancy betray ; 
* The pious foresight, in your latest hour, — 
* Was not deceived in trusting him with pow’r. 
* His virtues thoroughly to you were known, 465 
* Who thought him worthy to protect the throne : 
* A chief in whom you confidence might place, 
* To hold the reins and guard the royal race: 
* We battles could describe near Hamus won ; 
“ The fights that made with blood the Strymon run ;470 
* Stilicho, 


4/ 


230 


« The famous shield ; the strength that vanquished foes ;— 
* But Hymen these forbids us to disclose. 

* However, now we may with joy proclaim 

* His counsel sage :,—his equitable aim ;— - 

* Support of laws, impartially displayed : 475 
* Your upright ways his management pervade ; ' 
* Superior force with clear, judicious mind, 

* And prudence great with fortitude combined. 

* Where find another such expressive face !— 

* Whom Roman dignities would better grece? 480 
** Who could so well to num'ruus cares attend ? 

* All hearts their confidence with fervour lend; 

* Wherever met the crowd shall mark their choice, : 

* And SriLICRO resound from ev'ry voice. 

* [n all his actions is the hero seen : 485 
* No haughty words vor steps, nor scornful mien. 

* What others seek, and labour to be thought, 

* Is yours, O SriLicHo! from Nature brought. 

* "Mid modest looks is proper vigour viewed, 

* And growing age with reverence pursued ; 490 
^ To add respect has Tratz a junction tried, 

" And youthful strength to hoariness allied ; 

* In you the mark of both conjoined appears: 

* On man her favours Fog TUNE fondly rears. 

* Your hurtful darts no individuals feel ; 495 
* Nor blood of citizens pollutes your steel ; 

* Nor hatred round us terrours dire maintains ; 

* Nor e'er is grace allowed to slack the reins ; 

** The same, to all, is libral kindness shown, 

“ And fear to ev'ry one alike is known. 600 
“ ‘The pure regard that in our bosoms glows, 

** To love alone its animation owes. 





231 


* O Just dispenser of the laws’ due force, 

* ^ Most faithful guardian of fair peace's course, 

* Superior gen’ral :—father truly blessed ; 505 

* Now, for a parent, by the prince possessed, 

* Still more invincible appears his sway, 

* And to the union we should homage pay. 

* Twine garlands gay: awhile let pow'r repose ; 

* And join the mirth our joyous:chpirs displose. — 510 
^ So may the young Eucherius* e'en excel 

* The noble worth his father's virtues tell ; 

* With wedlock's torches rich Thermantia shine : 

* From Mary spring a progeny divine; 

^ And, graced with purple, to Honorius rise, ' "^ — 515 

** A son, whose: grand-sires E knee shall | greet thé prize. ” 


L 

. 1 . t a io 
34 uL 'u , " “eat poh. 4 
* Stilicho's son. 


FESCENNINES.. 
ON THE MARRIAGE OF 


.. HONORIUS AND MARY. -. 


M 


O Prince ! whose splendour glows pore bright, — 
Than stars that beam. with brillignt light, 
Whose darts more certitude command, 
Than those discharged from Parthian hand, 
And who the Gelons can exceed, 5 
In managing the sprightly steed : 
What praises worthy can be found, 
When such superior pow'rs abound ? 
What eulogies can e’er define 
A form and countenance divine * 10 
Fair Leda had bestowed on you, 
Still more applause than Castor drew ; 
In Thetis’ eyes your charms appear 
Above her own Achilles dear ; 
Apollo vanquished, Delos deems ; ^ 15 
And less, to Lydia Bacchus seems. 

WHEN through the leafy forest wide, 
You shall th' impatient courser guide, 
Pursuing ardently the prey, 
While ZEPHYRs with your tresses play : 20 





233 


The beasts shall eagerly advance, 

Their sides presenting to your lanee; 

And e'en the lion pleased shall feel 

With wounds received from sacred steel, — . 
Rejoice to meet a noble death, , 85 
And freely yield to you his breath. 

Farr Venus may disdain to burn 

For young Adonis’ quick return; 

And Cynthia scout the painful thought, 

That Verbius* should tg-life be brought. 30 
Beneath the Plane’s green foliage-shade, 

Fatigued, when you shall, heat, evade, 

Or, by the scorching Doc-SrAR pressed, 

In icy grot from sleep seek rest, 

What raging flame and poignant smart — . ;. 95 
Will rack the am’rous Driads’ heart! 

What Naiades, with anxious eyes, 

Shall kisses from your lips surprise ! 

WuatT creature wears such hideous mien, 

As in fierce Seythians’ look js seen? 40 
What heart is e'er more crnel found, 

Than beasts disclose that range around ? 

Such noble features wlio could see, 

And not desire your slave to be? 

Who would not bear your chains with joy, 45 
And seek their freedom to destroy ? 

On snowy Caucasus' bleak height, 

Had you sought Amazons in fight, 

The short shield-troops had war resigned, 
And to resume their sex inclined ; 50 


* A descendant of Hippolytus, restored to life by /Esculapius. 
See Vinc. En. VII. 761. 


234 


Hippolyte, "mid trumpets’ rear, | 

Her sire’s remembsance giving o'er, — i 

Her axe aside had freely laid ; 

Her bosom half to view displayed : 

Although to Hercules denied, , 85 
To you her zone had been untied ; 

And, solely dwelling on vour cbarms, 

She would have bid adieu to arms. 

..O HaPPy Farr! you soon shall own, 

For husband, him you Jove alone ! 60 


s 


Come Eartu, in Sprinc’s gay treasures dressed, 
Announce the bliss of sov'reigns blessed, 
The happy nuptial choice : 
Let cv'ry grove and flowing stream, 
And briny seas from dcpth supreme, ó 
Resound with gladd'ning voice. | 
‘8 
Attend, attend, Ligurian plains, 
_ Ye Veneti's rough hilly chains, 
While songs reccho round : 
. On Alps’ high top let roses blow, 10 
The snow-white frosts with blushes glow, 
And mirth ’mid joys abound. 


Let Athesis to musick flow ; 
The winding Mincius gently go, 
To reed's soft murmring note: — . 13 





235 


The Po with resonances cheer © , — |. 
The amber-bearing alderg near, 000.4 
And in blithe Plepure flout. ee | 


Let crowds on Tiber’s borders now,’ «© °° 


"Mid feasts and jollity, ‘avow, ! 
Delight their bosoms fills : 

And Rome, enchidited ‘with the thought, - '' 

Her prince has gained the raptures sought,’ 
Adorn the sev fola hills. | 


t-, . 6 
LM - - 


D 
* 6 4 . 


Let distant Spain those accents hear, 
The cradle of our sov ‘reigns dear, 
Where, under laürel- twine, 
The palace scarcely ‘ean rereunt . 
The monarchs from Iberian fount, — : « 5o.r 
"Mid triumphs of ‘their line. ry) +. 


> Li M * 
tty n | "PES EA 


(1[0L 


There, breath thc Highs s'sire fibt drew»! | 


The beauteous bride's fair mother t6o; | ^ 
From thence dérived hér bitth : ^ — : 
Alike the pair unitéd trace, | 
From Cassar’ 8 cotisettatid race, 
Their origin dn catt. ' ME. 


d oat Mor ut SEED 


On Betis’ banks let flow’ v'rs'u ‘unfold ; 
The Tagus roll with waves of gold ; 
And OcEAN e'en below, 
Throughout th’ exterisive, glassy grot, 
Resound his progeny’s blest lot; =... |” 
And satisfaction show. oaa an! 
2G2 


^95 


| 236 


Let plaudits spread from East to Wzsr, - 


By brothers equally .possessed, 
Each placid place be-gay: — 55: 
Where'er the Sun, at early morn, 
Or in the ey'ning, to adorn, |. 
Extends his gilded ray. 
vi 


Ye NORTHERN teropests | silent prove ; 


Cold Eastean winds! forbear to move; H | 


Loud SourTHEnN blasts! be still: | 
Let solely gentle ZEPHY Rs cheer 
The triumphs of the happy year, 

And al] air’s regions fill. 





Hu 


Q BriLICHO! ! a garland twine 


Around that brow where helmets shine ;..:: uo 


Their piercing notes let elarions stay, +; :. 
And Hymen’s torch drive Mars away, 
The bleed. that from the palace came, _ 
Again the royal mangsjons claim ; 


The pledges of your love unite, aif 


By vows, which mutually. they plight, 


To CzsaR, son-in-law of late: |... 0. 


. Now sire to him who rules the state. , 
What rage will JEALousy reveal ! 

Or Envy how her pangs conceal r- t— 
A royal son-in-law to view, un 
In Stilicho, and father too. 


——À 


l "oar 
Tue beams that round Idalia play, 
From Hesperus's rising ray, 


45 


20 





337 


To Venus, ever precious sight, . 
Spread oer: the genial couch delight:1 . 

Now trentbling throbbings raise alatms, |. 
A blush pervades the. virgin’s charms; 

The veil discloses, ‘mid her ‘fears, (t 
Sweet innocence dissolved in tears. - . 
With confidence, blessed. youth, proeeed, '' 


Nor nails? defence nor struggles heed: ^. " 
None e'er the Sprinc’s bright beauties, gains, 


Nor sweets from Hybla s mount.obteins, . 

Who meanly from the conflict runs, i^. 1 

Or spiny. bri'rs with caution shuns:. : 

Sharp thorns protect the lovely rose; ' 

And stings round. honey. bees dispose: - 

New joys from difficulties risey. =... : 

And charms increase as Venus flies ; 

More rapture in the kiss is found, 

Purloined when eyes in floods are drowned. 

With fond delight you oft will say : 

* ‘These scenes to me more bliss convey, 

** Than tenfold triumphs e’er would yield, 

‘ O’er fierce Sarmatians in the field." 
May, in your bosoms, freely glow 

Fond confidence, and stronger grow : 

The tender flame, to latest time, 

Protract its influence sublime, 

Unite, with interlacing arms, 

Voluptuous chains encircling charms, 

As ivy round the oak intwines, 

Or poplar clasped by flexile vines. 

With dove-like respirations greet, 

And mutual interchanges sweet ; 


10 


15 


20 


JQ 


238 


Let sleep awhile his wings extend, ! 

And, on the: lip, souls truly blend : . 

The purple couch soft warmth supply, ° 

And all desired:’mid Tyrian dye... 

Then, from the.conquést with delight, ':.. -. 

Arise when beams the morning bright, — 
ENrL:rvENING sounds, let flutes cohwey ; . .’ 

The crowd with freedom mirth display: 

Blithe jest .and! jollity: go round, 

While all: without restraint is found ;' . . 

The soldier with his gen'ral .cheer: 

The maidens with the youth appear;  , 

Let vocal thunders:rénd'the sky; . i: 

With echoes-earth, air, seas, reply; — : 

The joyful tidings far expand? : -—— - 

Fair Mary gains: Honoris’ hand! 


40 


45 


50 


THE, 


aN 


GILDONIC WAR. 
ae 


To Roman laws bows Africa once more, 
And, foreign skies, th’ imperial arms restore ; 
Of both the worlds one hero holds the reins; 
We've Europe joined again with Sys plains ; 
And perfect concord, every where around, 
Between the brother-potentates is found. 

'Two tyrants yielded to the sire their breath ; 

The third, who scaped alone the blow of death, 
And longer was his course allowed to run, 
Has perished by the efforts of the son. 

The mind is scarcely yet relieved from fears, 
Suppresses transports, and amazed appears ; 
Amid the publick joy in doubt remains, 

If what is said apd wished, the truth contains. 

‘Tne army had not reached the Ciuyps: banks, 
Ere overthrown was Gildo by their ranks ; 

No barriers could resist the conqu' ring force, 
Nor earth , nor seas obstruct their rapid course; 
'The voice that first announced the foe in view, 
Detailed the fight, his flight, and capture too ; 


-: 


15 


20 


240 


The laurel-wreath, on FAME's triumphant car, 

Preceded rumours e’en of martialjar. —— 
Wuart pow’ diviné bas thus his favour shown, 

And in such haste the monster overthrown ? 

The enemy, that coming WINTER named, 

Has, by the Sprine, subverted been proclaimed. 
Rome, dreading ruin, shuddered for her fate, 

And hideous famine threatened at the gate ; 

To high Olympus she her prayers addressed : 

Not such as usually her lips expressed, 30 

Nor similar to those, in former times, 

When she promulgated, in British climes, 

Her formidable laws with sov'reign sway, . 

Or forced the trembling Indians to obey. 

Her voice was langgd ;—steps appeared to dwell;— 35 

Eyes looked dejected: cheeks in hollows fell ; 

A horrid meagrcness her arms o'erspread ; 

A shield, that brilliant glare no longer shed, 

Hung from her shoulders, tott'ring as she moved; . 

Too large the helmet round her temples proved, 40 

Disclosing hoary locks to open view, | 

As, feebly on, a rusty lance she drew. 

At length arrived where gods the fabrick graced, | 

She, wailing thus, the TuuN p'RER's knees embraced : 
* O Jupiter! if Destiny intend, — . | 45 

* My rising walls to last till Tra shall end; 

* It what the Sibyls verse of old decreed 

* ]s meant irrevocably to proceed ; 

" Or, if thou art not yet disposed to slight 


'* "Phe lofty dome* that crowns Tarpeia s height : A} 


f . ! 


i9 
I] 


'* The Capitol. 


241. 


* An humble suppliant at tby feet behold ; 

* We ask no triumph for a consul bold, 

“ Tn regions where Araxes’ waters flow ; 

* Nor quiver-bearing Susa to o'erthrow ; 

** Nor, on the sands that with Rep OCEAN six, 
“ The waving eagles ‘mid success to fix. 

'" On us these glories were bestowed before: 

* At present food alone Rome’s prayers implore ; 
“ © best of fathers! pity hunger's call, 

* Nor let thy people by fell famine fall, 

* Whatever anger might thy breast pervade, 

* With confidence we trust is now allayed ; 

* The sayage Getz have our lot bewailed ; 

* Among Suevi, sympathy prevailed ; 

* And even Parthia, with emotion, heard 

* The city's frightful wretchedness averred. 

'* How shall I tell the num'rous beaps of dead, 
“ That dread disease or direful slaughter sped ? 
* The flowing river 'bove the dwellings fouod, 

* And threat'ning e'en the lofty hills around ? 


95 


65 


70 


'* Submerged, I've ships our roofs seen floating oer ;— 


* The rowers lab'ring :—Pyrrha's age once more. 
** The Latian force and city's noble height, 

" Alas! how fallen from their former might ! 

“ By small degrees we've retrogression made, 

* ‘Till dwindled to the semblance of a shade. 

‘* A time there was when I "mid armies moved, 

“ And.senates sage :—triumphant then I proved ; 


** "The earth I conquered :— gave the people laws ;— 


* From pole to pole extended our applause. 
'* But scarcely had ambitious Casa & gained 


** Th’ imperial pow’r, and publick rights encbaiped : 


2H 


73 


80 


242 


* O'erturned the rigid manners long possessed,— 

** Than ancient regulations fell depressed, 

* And plunged me into InpoLEeNce’s lap, 85 
* Where slav'ry sought the senses to inwrap. 

* For recompense of former merits shown, 

* The Nileand Libya were declared my own; 

* ‘Whence, to the sov'reign crowd and senate bold, 

'* Each summer, vessels came with plenteous-hold ; 90 
* By turns the diff rent winds supplied our stores, 

* And filled the gran'ries from both fruitful shores. 

** Then health's pure blessing ev'ry-where appeared : 

* [f Memphis failed, Geetulian harvests cheered ; 

* The Punick ships with corn pressed o'er the main, 95 
* And Nile's swelled canvass wafted loads of grain. 

* At length another Rome arose to view : 

* Auroras rays adorned an empire new; 

* The robe revered alike the second wore, 

*" And Egypt thither all its produce bore. |: 100 
* Our only. hope now left was Libya's field, . 

* That scarcely for us could sufficient yield ; 

* ‘The SOUTHERN gales alone the crops conveyed, 

.. * Whicb insecure the future.always made ; 

* In need eternally ; dependent too, 105 
* Upon the seasons and the winds that blew. 

* From us has Gildo torn this.last resource, 

^ When AuTUMN nearly finished had his course. 

* On azure plain our anxious eyes we keep, 

** To watch for vessels o'er the wavy deep ; 110 
* Shame may perhaps the tyrant have restrained, - 

* And small supplies be. from his grasp obtained ; 

* Or some that for a while unnoticed lay, 

* May fortunately hither find its way. 








243 


** To us, as wills the Moor, food’s wafted oer: . 115. 
** Not tribute now transmitted from his store, 
* But daily bounty at his pleasure sent, 
* And life and famine at discretion lent ; 
** Barbarian insolence disdains our tears, 
‘* And dire destruction in suspense appears; igo 
* He sells the harvests raised by Roman hands, 
** And plains possesses conquered by our bands. 
* For him have I so many years engaged 
** The strength of Carthage, and wars bloody waged? 
** For such a tyrant, in contempt of death, 125 
** Did Regulus return and yield his breath? | 
* ‘Was this, O father! all the people's gain, 
** For which, at Cannz, perished heaps of slain? 
** For this so oft fell flames our navy bore 
* Along the Spanish and Sicilian shore? 130 
** With devastation every champaign spread ?— — 
** So many gen'rals numbered with the dead ?— 
** And Hannibal o'er Alps pursued his way, 
** My ancient ramparts clouding with dismay ? 
** That this BanBARIAN may his pow'r maintain, — 135 
** And over Africa extend his reign, 
** Have we supported war within our yalls, 
*^ And at the gate, at night, borne bloody falls? 
** Thrice Carthage by our forces overthrown, 
“© To be by Gildo taken for his own? ' 140 
* A thousand slaughters Italy bewailed ? 
** So many ages battles' rage prevailed ? 
** The patient Fabius and Marcellus’ toil, 
** But tended to enrich this wretch with spoil ? 
** Have we made cruel Syphax bend his lip, 144 
* ^ From bowl envenomed direful draughts to sip ; 
| 2H? — 


0411 

^ "The fierce Jugurtha, by Martellus’ might, 
“* Obliged to yield in sanguinary fight, 
* Whom Marius chained,—dragged hither 'mid applause: 
* And Gildo think to give Numidia laws? 150 
** “Alas! so many lives in contests lost ; 
** The warriours ‘mid fatigues and dangers tost ; 
* The Scipios’ labours for the Bocchus-race ; 

** And blood of Romans spilt this Moor to grace! 
* A martial people who, such length of time, 155 
* Their pow'er extended to the furthest clime ; 
* Who consuls made and sceptres e'en bestowed ; 
« To whose dread arms obedience nations showed : 
*, Now humbled and distressed, feel ills around, 
* That oft attendant on long peace are found, —— 160 
* And though no foe in open arms is met, | 
* On ev'ry side with dangers are beset ; 
* Each hour beneath DxATu's menaces we live, 
« And few the days precarious food will give. 
* Propitious Destinies! why here enclose 165 
“ The sev'nfold hills, and numbers thus expose, 
* Without the means their hunger to remove ?— 
‘© Were less my riches, happier I should prove! 
« Far better to sf&tain the Sabines’ rage, 
* Or pow rful Veientes to engage ! 170 
* With less extent, I rested more sccure ; 
* The load of grandeur scarcely I endure! 
“ Would that my limits could again be brought, 
** 'To what, by Ancus, space enough was thought ! 
* Suffice for me would what Etruria yields :— 175 
** Campania :—Quintius’ grounds ;—and Curtius fields ; 
* A plain DicrAToR, taken from the plough, 
** Would freely to the state his crops allow. 








245 


* What plan at present then should be my aim ?- 
* In Lybia Gildo rüles ;—Nile, others* claim ; - 
* I, who extended once my eonqu'ring arms 

* (Yy'er earth and sea, now tremble with alarms ; 
* Forsaken seem :—old age' merits fall; — . .' 
* And no sapport awaits my feeble cell. 

^ O gods, whose anger I severely feel, 

* Assistance give and my afflictions heal ; 

* A father's rage endeavour to appease ;— 

* And thou who, traversing the stormy seas, 

* Hast Ida's charming clime been led to quit, 

* Upon Mount Palatine aloft to sit, 

* ‘Whose Phrygian lions are constrained to lavé, 
* Within the Almo's salutary wave: 

* O Cybilé! maternal influence use, 

* And mercy's balm around thy son diffase. 

“ But if the Parcee this request deny, 

* And vainly we on auguries rely,— 

* By other means let us resign our breath, 

* And choose a diff'rent instrument of death. 

* The Tarquin-pow'r, Porsenna let cestore ; 

* The Allia low anew with battles’ gore; 

“ Again Rome rather yield to Pyrrhus' ire;— 

** Fierce Senones :—the savage Brennus’ fire :— . 
** These ills united would less horrours bring, 

. * 'Than desolations that from famine spring." 


Tuts said, her voice was lost in sobs and siglhis; 


Tears filled her mother Cytherea's eyes; 
With poignant g grief her parent, Mars, was moved ; 
Rememb'ring Vesta, Pallas gloomy proved ; 


- 
180 
ee 
* 


185 


..190 


195 


200 


* The Eaerzax empire was at that time supplied by Egypt. 


f 


246 


Nor Cybelé nor Juno could refrain 

From sympathizing in the piercing pain; 210 

Great Jove already felt his anger less, 

And, with his hand, seemed back those plaints to press. 
Now AFrica amid the stars was seen, 

Her cries rent air:—wounds overspread her mien ; 

In tatters fell her robes ;—the ears of corn, 215 

With wreaths intwined her temples to adorn, 

Lay scattered round, in wild disorder left ; 

Her iv’ry comb, in various fragments cleft, 

Among dishevelled tresses, broken hung: 

Olympus’ doors, with noise, she open flung : 220 
* O Micnry Jove!” said she, * why still restrain, 

** By laws and bounds, the undulating main, 

* And not allow thy angry brother's realm, ' 

* "The human race at once, to overwhelm? 

* Pachynos' top let stormy billows lave: 295 

** Strong cities sink within the Syrtes! wave; 

“ If Gildo, Fare refuse to force away : 

“ Me rescue from the haughty tyrant’s sway. 

* O how I envy Libya's burning sands, 

* Which scorching heat secures from Gildo's hands ! 230 

* "[were better far a desert I should lie, 

* And cultivation utterly defy ; 

** The torrid zone should closely me confine, 

* Encompassed by the burning MrpprLE LiwE; 

“ The Dipsas-vipers ev'ry produce spoil, 235 

* And serpents horned o'er-run the arid soil. 

« To me what use the climate I admire ?— 

* The charming air that daily I respire? 

« "Tis Gildo solely reaps my fertile ground ; . 

* Twice winters six has Phoebus gone his round, — 240 


P 


247 


* Since first the fatal yoke that I detest, 
* With such severity upon me pressed ; 


* The wretch, amid our wailings, now grows old, 


* So many years my plains he has controlled. 
** O sad reflection!—Such complete disgrace : 
* A subject thus, as if o'er narrow space, 


* To reign from Nile's rich banks to Atlas’ skies ; 


* From where: great Hercules's columns rise, 
* To Barca's sands; and over regions wide, _ 


245 


* "Tween Parztorium’s shore and Ganges’ tide :— 250 


* These climes appropriate to his sov'reign sway : 


* One third the world a rebel’s laws obey ! 
* Extremes of vice within his beart contend : 


" What av'rice wrings, the worst profusions spend ; 


* His fell pursuits the hving fly with dread: 

* He claims, a3 heir, whatever leave the dead; 
** The virgin forcibly the monster takes; 

* And, foul adult’rer! wretched couples makes. 
* His craving bosom never feels at rest; 

* Desire of spoil, and last, pervade his breast ; 
* "The rich behold with fear the beaming light ; 
* And darkness fills the husband with affright. 
* Whoe’er has treasures, or a beauteous wife, 


T By crimes supposed, expects to lose his life ; 


* If impositions fail, the banquet's tried; 
* With various means of death he is supplied: 
* Empoisoned juices ;—venom, serpents own ; 


"^ And herbs, to barb'rous step-dames e'en unknown. 


** If sudden horrour in the face arise, 
* Or from the bosom issue plaintive sighs, 
* A bloody minion at the nod appears, 


253 


260 


265 


270 


“ ‘With dagger drawn, and chills the guests with fears; 


e 


248 . 


* Each, to his seat, in trembling terrour fited, 
* Beholds the meat with dine infusions mixed ; 
* To his pale. lips the doubtful.cup applies, . —— 275 
* And, to the steal suspended, turns his eyes. 
* Infernal -prepatation spreads the board ; 
‘* With sanguinery slaughter reeks the sword ; 
“ The fate: poison circulates around ; "E 
* And dread suspicions ev'ry-where abound, $80 
* When in the bosom wine has warmed desire, 
* With greater fury burns lascivious fire; , 
* "Mid am'rous wreaths o'erspread with perfumes choice, 
* Attendants spruce, and youth with choral. voice, 
.* The Fair he orders forward, widows left, 285 
« ^ To-smile o'er husbands dear, of life bereft. 
* Ah! better Phalaris' fell fury bear: 
** The torments of his flames with horrid glare ; 
*€ The bull Sicilian fill with hollow roar: .. 
* Than hear those choirs resound in scenes of gore! 290 
* Nor insults, base to modesty distressed, 
* Suffice to gratify the tyrant’s breast : 
** The belle forlorn, who pleases not his sight, 
* Whateer her rank, must with some Moor. unite. 
“ Sidonian* mothers, in their native land, 295 
* Are to BAgBARIANS forced to give their hand; 
* This to an Ethiopian yields her charms; , 
** That breathes her sighs in Nasamonian arms ; 
** The frightful fruits, that from the union rise, 
* Een fil the very cradle with surprise. 300 
“ Relying on accomplices around, 
" More lofty than a prince he treads the ground. 


* The first Carthaginians came from Sidon. 





249 


* Advanced before him, infantry appear ; 
« £ guard of horse protects the flanks aud rear; 
* Beside him abject sov'reigns meanly move, 304 
“ To whom our spoils rich acquisitions prove. 
‘“ He, people, forces happy homes to quit, 
. * Where long their ancestors were used to sit; 
* 'The husbandman is from his cottage torn, 
** And wand'ring exiles dire misfortunes mourn. 310 , 
** Shall equitable rights be ne'er restored, 
* Nor banished men return to hearths adored p 

STILL further she her suff'rings would have shown, 
Had Jove not spoken from his lofty throne; - 
Th' impressive words by Atropes were placed 315 
On plates of adamant, and deeply traced; 
And Lachesis was careful to apply 
The sacred threads that form the verbal tie. 

* Non you, O Rome! aud Araica!” he cried, 
** Shall long a just avenger be denied ; . 320 
** ‘The common foe shall, by Honorius’ arm, | 
" Be prostrate laid :—go, dissipate alarm ; 
* No mortal pow’r shall separate your cause, 
* And Carthage solely bend to Latian laws." 

Tus said, fresh bloomo’er Rome the U' itu N DRER threw: 
Restored her strength :—gray locks distained anew ; 
Her helmet firm, the tufts their tops upreared ; 
Around her shield reflected rays appeared ; 
And, freed from rust, her lance of swiftest flight, 
Again emitted brightest beams of light. 330 

Now Sosrnus held Nreu1’s humid steeds in course ; 
Lethzan reins submitted to his force ; | 
The stars, as on the silent chariot rolled, 
Revolved around, with equal pow'r controlled. 

9I 


250 


The chiefs renowned, among the gods proclaimed, 


Great Theodosius and his father famed, 
To human-kind the balm of peace conveyed ; 
Jove's high decrees and secret warnings laid 
Before the brothers, who the throne possessed, 
Confirming union ‘tween the East and Wrsr. . 
So when rough seas the pilot's art o'erpowr, 
And waves the ship seem ready to devour, 
If Leeda’s sons, at night, hear prayers resound, 
They guide the vessel o'er th’ abyss profound. 
WHERE Luna's radiant rays extend their force, 
The: sire and son* took each a diffrent course; 
The former t'wards th’ Italian regions bore: 
The other sought the Bosph’rous’ briny shore, 
And reached the capital in OngrENT cline, 
Where lay. Arcadius on his couch sublime." 
Soon as tlie prince, by Cynthia s beaming light, 
Perceived his royal ancestor in sight, 
The tender tear, his trembling joy, expressed, 


And one unhoped. he ardently caressed. 
* O FatHer!” 


35 


340 


345 


350 


he exclaimed with fond surprise, 355 


* Who, since Alps’ conquest, now first greet my eyes: 


* Has FATE returned you, as your sons desire ?— 


That hand to touch I ansiously aspire, 


The mortal race for your assistance pray, 
Rcvere your bounty and heroick sway, 

“ And, for their shield the lofty skies, invoke :— 
Thus, interrupting, Theodosius spoke : 


* The Emperor Theodosius the Great, and his father. 


By which fierce nations oft were doomed to fall :— 
Such help, from earth, what envious pow’rcould call? 360 





251 


«* Wuat ?— Tween the brothers is disunion sown ?365 
* A Moor has discord 'mid their councils thrown :— 
* The world at variance set :—and feuds depend 
' On Gildo’s full success, or death, to end? 
* His virtues truly high reward deserve, 
“ To make thee from fraternal kindness swerve. 370 
“ First t'wards thy parent let those eyes be borne :— 
' “ Th’ Jtalian realm by civil bros was torn ; 
“ Rome trembling stood, uncertain of her fate :— 
' What distant sov’reign of th’ Armenian state, 
“ Or prince that reigns upon Meotis’ shore, 376 
* But troops to my assistance freely bore? - 
“ The Gete readily their forces brougbt; - 
“ To lend me aid, the Gelons quickly sought; 
" But not a ship nor soldier Gildo seitt, 
“ And, 'mid professions, waited the event. 380 
* Joined bad he rebels, less would prove my rage : 
* I should have known the war [had to wage; — — 
* But watching Farr, in silence he remained, 
“ And weighed the forces that the fight sustained ; 
* His judgment regulated by success ; 385 
* With circumstances, would the balance press; - 
“ Whoecr the victor, seek without delay, 
* And Fortune fix at once, and martial sway. 
* Had envious stars not snatched me from below, 
“ ] should, the dread example to bestow, 390 
* Like Tullus have, by pow’rful coursers' aid, 
* Hisimpious limbs in severed quarters laid, 
** ‘The bloody, palpitating fragments, thrown 
‘* Qn branching thorns, in terrour to be shown. 
“ Honorius’ laws, to which he used to bow, 395 
* Beneath his feet, contemned, are trampled now. 
oIo-' 


aa ad 


254 


** Our vigilance could scarcely tspaults quell ; 

* Still less, when to a boy the sceptre foll. 

* For you, alas! how great were my alarms, 

* Such lawless bands of soldiery in arms, . Q7 

* Whose frantick joy audaciously. appeared, 469 
“ And, for the consequences, nothing feared. 

* [f such dire discords raised terrifick dread :. 

“ Their unanimity would more have spread. 

* Then Stilicho paternal cares bestowed ; 

** To tender youth benign attention showed 7 470 
« Protection gave the prince's infant sway; _ : 
*" Rufinus crushed, who filled thee with dismay. 

« Ingratitude his bosom never knew ; 

** To strict fidelity his beart is true; 

_ “ What I contemplated, while liferemained, ^ . 475 
* By his-solicitude has been obtained. 

* On me, as one among the pow'rs dn high, 

* His anxious prayers with fervency rely. 

** Such services as these shouldst thou neglect, 


** Still, what unites our fatnilies, respect, 480 
“ Connubial ties that round thy brother tw ine, . 
* And her from fair Serena's royal line. EE 


* Thou shouldst Honorius aid against the foe, 

* And like fraternal succour he would owe. . 

'* What nation on the Rhine or Ister’s strand, 485 
* ‘Your'pow’rful arms united, could withstand? . 

" From Gildo thy support at once recall : 

* "Tis all we ask ;—the monster then must fall. 

** [n vain for him would dreadful quicksands move, 

* Or Atlas’ lofty sides a rampart prove, 490 
* Or plains by hideous serpents overrun, 

‘« Exposed to heat beneath meridian sun :— 


955 

* By dauntiess Stilicho; for wisdom known, 
* Shall ev'ry obstacle be overthrown.” 00a 

Trus Theodosius spoke.— The son replied :— © 495 
“ O father! your commands my wil! deeide ; : | 
'* Beyond your orders I'll obedience show: © 
* Fhe worth of Stilicho I fully know. 
« This horrid traitor, let him meet the fate, 
“ That merit those whose crimes disturb the state; 9500 
* And Africa, relieved from dire alarms, 
* Return obedient to my brother's ams!” 

 WuiILE these, conversing, passed a length of time, 
Honorius' grandsire reached Hesperia's clime, 
And to the sacred sanctuary flew, | $05 
Where lay the prince, on couch of Tyrian hue, | 
Enjoying sweet repose with Mary blessed ;— 
When near his head, the youth he thus addressed : 

' () GRANDSON, ever dear! from whence arise, : 
* In Moors subdued, presamptions that surprise?— 510 
* What! since my triumphs, .Juba’s savage race 
* Audaciously again their arms embrace! 
* Against their conqu’ror’s son already plot !— 
* Is Firmus' punishment so soon forgot? 
* Havethey once more the Libyan realm obtained, 515 
* Which we by great fatigue and valour gained? 
^ Has Gildo dared try Latium's force renowned, 
* Nor fears the chastisement his brother found ? 
* Oh! could I show him now this hoary head, — 
* And well known face which age has overspread, 520 
** No sooner should the shadow meet his sight; | * | 
“ Than safety would he not secure by flight ? - 
** Canst thou have doubts?—Rise : leave thy couch of casa; 
** Lead on:—the execrable rebel seize ; ; . 





256 


* [n chains again th’ audacious captive place ; 595 
"^ Be careful lest delay should bring disgrace. 
* Thus FATE decrees :—our blood, while on tlie earth, 
. * Shall daunt the race who owe to Bocchus birth. 
* Join Gildo's spoils to those from Fitmus' wreck; 
** Both cars, let Mauritanian laurels deck ; 530 
* The house united let triumphant reign, 
* And num'rous conquests from the foe obtain. 
* Ye gods! who made one brother rue my strength, 
* Pure gratitude I owe, that you, at length, 
* Reserve the other, after years have run, 535 
** To fall by hands descended from my son.” 
Tuts said, the vision took his airy flight, 
To realms on high, near Sox’s refulgent light. 
WirH glory now Honorius' bosom glowed; - 
He longed to plough where foaming billows flowed: 540 
Against the Moors, in distant climes, advance, 
And make them feel the vigour of his lance ; 
His wife's fond sire he ordered to be brought, 
His hand he pressed, and thus his counsel sought : 
* O! Honouren father, oft, in sleep, I find 545 
* Futurity developed to my mind ; 
* At night a thousand presages arise, 
* That seem to gratify the ears and eyes. 
* Tor in the distant scene, as fancy drew, . 
* The Libyan forests round I fleetly flew, 550 
* And cross Gsetulian hills pursued the chase, 
* With faithful dogs that snuffed the scented trace. 
** The lion's ravages perception viewed ;— 
* Here bones of sheep : there bullocks’ limbs werestrewed ; 
** The shepherd's cottage reeking still with gore! 555 
* The blood-stained Jawns with bodies scattered o'er ! 





957 


* The monster's den Í readily assailed ; 
** More wonders then ideally prevailed : 
‘© His crest was fallen, and the mane hung low, 
** The shoulders crouched, while groans expressed his wo; 
* His bloody claws by fetters were confined, 
* And chains, around his neck astonished, twined. 
* My grandsire too invites now to the field, 
* Where trophies like his own to me he'll yield. 
* Why, ‘mid inaction, do we thus delay ?— 565 
* Ere this the shipping, soldiers to convey, 
** Should o'er the fogming billows take their course : 
* My bosom burns to lead th’ imperial force. 
* Let savage tribes, berieath my sceptre placed, 
** [n full obedience, to our bauners, haste : 470 
** 'The German and Sicambrian fleets unite, | 
* And pale grow Africa, Rhine's bands in sight. 
* Shall I, in silence, such disgrace behold, 
** And lose, in youth, what I, a boy, controlled ! 
* Twice, realms to guard, to Alps our father flew, 573 
* And we such outrages with tameness view !" 

WHEN this was said, thus Stilicho replied : 
* Deign would you,prince,troops'gainst this Moor to guide ? 
* *Twould raise the fellow's consequence so high, 
* He glory would, by royal hands to die. 490 
** ]lere great Honorius :—Gildo there contend !— 
* Stars, first shall Chaos, with Avernus, blend ! 
" Enough are orders vengeance to secure ; 
* ‘Your pow'rful sword will triumphs less assure,. 
* Than what produce the terrours of your name: — 585 
** "The prince's presence oft abates his fame; 
* All equal stand within the martial Geld, 
" And arms opposed no heed to sov'reigns yield . 

| 2 K 


- 


258. - 


^ What I, with due respect, shall recommend, 

" Will more annoy the foe and you befriend: 590 
** To him by birth is Mascezel allied, 

* Yet diff rent sentiments his conduct guide ; 

* A brother's crimes and snares obliged to fly, 

* On you for life his only hopes rely. 

** Wiles failing;—Gildo, on the infant race, 595 
* That he was wont with fondness to embrace, 

* And in his bosom bear, wreaked bloody rage: 

. * Their mangled limbs, his fury to assuage, 

* Tnhumanly were scattered o’er the ground : 

* No tomb their shades have from the monster found ;600 
* Alike blood, manhood, and fraternal ties, 

* A little dust he e'en the slain denies. 

* Such guilt Mycene filled with dire dismay : 

** The Sun drew back :—no longer beatned the Day ; 
* But Atreus conduct base with crime repaid: ^ 605 
* For bed dishonoured, horrid feast be made. 

* Here hatred solely guided Gildo's mind, 

* Not poignant pains for evil deeds designed. 

'** O- great Honorius! violated laws 

“ Implore your pow' to aid an injured cause; 610 
“To youa father cries;—let vengeance fall ; 

* Unburied limbs with fervour on you call ; 

* Polluted Nature joins the plaintive sound 

* And frightful lamentations echoe round. 

* [f sage Athenians holy altars raised, 615: 
* On which to Mercy sacrifices blazed, 

* And gods assigned to whose peculiar care 

* "The wretched might address their ardent prayer ; 

«If Grecian wives and mothers, by their cries, 

* Induced Pandion-bands for them to rise, 620 


259 


* And merited, by valour tried, theright © ^ — 
“ Of fun'ral piles for husbands slain in fight : 
* If, by dishevelled hair and wildness shown, 
* Adherbal, from his lofty throne o'erthrown, 
* Against Numidians roused the Senate's rage: — '695 
'" Now Gildo well may tremble to engage UC 
* The chief he plunged in wo's abyss of tears, —' | 
* When, by your-troops supported, he appears ; 
* ‘And feel with grief, his triumphs to efface, —— | 
* Your knees it quite suffices to embrace. - : 630 
“ Fly let him one, he lately chased aw ay; 
* Him dread, in turn, he filled with dire dismay ; ‘ ; 
“ And when th’ uplifted steel shall meet his eye, 
" May he an injured brother's hand desery '" 
Tue royal son-in-law approved the plan ; ^— 635 
Then Stiliého, with ev'ry haste, began | 
T" assemble troops whose martial bosoms glowed; 
The choice of youth, who burning ardour showed ; 
And, in th’ Etruscan harbours, to prepare ——— 
The shipping, oer the main, this force to bear. 640 
Alcides led the corps that takes his namer — | 
Jove's cohort, —him who shakes th’ ethereal frame ; 
The standard-bearer felt his burden less ; 
And streaming banners forward seemed to press. 
These Nervius followed ;— Felix, FonTUNE's child,—64.; 
The Lecion of th’ Imppriat Rus styled ;— 
TH’ INvrNcIBLES, who dangers never weighed ; 
And Lrows bold, w 'hose shields their deeds displayed. - 
Bzrons they marched, howe'er, the prince addressed 
The eager bands, and cheered cacti glowing breast ; 650 ' 
The youth attentive stood, encircling round : 
Leaned o'er their spears, supported on the ground. 
ko 


* 
* 
D 





960 

^ O Sorprers!” he exclaimed, “ who soon will make 
^ The tyrant, Gildo, for his safety quake ; 
“ The time is come, your promise to fulfil : 655 
" Now execute your menaces at will; 
* For me, if love you proudly wish to show, 
* With arms in hand, chastise the rebel foe; 
* By noble triumphs civil broile efface ; 
* Make known toall the East :—earth's utmost space ;— 
* Not force superior overcame the Gauls ; 
* A cause that's bad inevitably falls. 
* No terrour let the horrid monster spread, 
Though all the barb'rous race by him were led; 
* Will Moors be able warriours' shouts to bear, — 665 
** The sword upraised, and shining armour's glare? 
* ‘You'll meet not men who shields and helmets own : 
** To darts alone they trust, from distance thrown, 
* Which once discharged, the foe unsbeltered stands : 
* A javelin and his cioak engage his bands ;. . 670 
** The right the weapon grasps :—his robe the left ; 
* Save tbis, the trooper is of fence bereft. 
* His courser, ne'er subjected to the rein, 
* Is, bya rod, conducted o'er the plain. 
* Fidelity and discipline they slight : 675 
* Hold arms a burden :—safety place in flight; 
.** Wives without number to their bed they take :— 
**. The ties of kindred no distinction make ; 
** The infant progeny no care receives ; 
* For that, with feeling, not a bosom heaves ; 680 
‘ "Mong numbers portioned, kindness scarcely glows: 
** Such,—sugh the multitude who you oppose! 
‘¢ As moves the chief, sweet roses shade his head; . 
f. Upon him balmy odours perfumes shed ; 


261 


* The victim of excess from festive boards, 685 
.* Age premature the flowing bowl affords, 

* Diseasos dire bis constitution waste, 

* By ev'ry vile debauchery disgraced. 

* His sleep incestuous rouse by horns around ; 

* And, while his.ears are harassed. with the sound, ‘690 
* Let him in veia for lyrea’ soft accents bawl : | 

* On voices sweet with dancers’ movements call; 

* Learn, spite of aloth, to pass, in tented fields, 

“ The nights that he to dissoluteness yields. 

* Is death not better far, than life to bear, 695 
^ Condemned the badge of dread disgrace to wear? 

^ Tilyria lost, what clime should we retain, 

^ Were Moorish rulers Africa to gain ? 

^ Shall laws that reached to Meroe, of yore, 

* And where the Rep Sza billows lash the shore, 700 
* Receive for furthest bounds th’ Etrurian wave? | 
** Imperial Rome! that banks Niles waters lave, 

* Nor India, limits to her pow'r could boast, 

* Now view her utmost stretch, Trinacria s* coast! 

** Go, soldiers, rescue realins from savage sway, 705 
“ The SouTHERN climes, that Gildo's nod obey ; 

* Rome, long beheld the mistress of the world, 

*€ With you. will stand, or be in ruin hurled. 

** Towns, people, fertile plains, to me restore : 

“<< Make Libya, by @ battle, peace implore. 710 
** Where'er your oars and swelling canvass tend, 

*€ Let all before th’ imperial banners bend, 

** And my insulted laws resume their course, 

** Beyond the seas, attendant on your force. 


Ld 


* Sicily. 


262 


* Two tyrants slain, the third now tréat'the same, — 715 
* And end at length the rebel's horrid name.” 
THESE words, the presages confirmed on high : 
Jove’s tawny minister straight soared the sky, 
And, "tween his talons, as he winged his flight, ' 
A serpent bore, conspicuously insight. — . . . 790 
While, with his crooked bill, the eagle tried; '' B 
In parts, the struggling reptile to divide, 
Securely in his claws remained the head, 
And o'er the earth the mangled fragments spread. 
Tue omen filed with joy: the soldiers’ breast : 795. 
At once their steps o'er rocks, through torrents pressed; _ 
Nor forest wide, nor lofty mountains' top, 
Could damp their ardour, or their movements stop. 
Tuus flocks of cranes, with clamour in the air, 
From Thrace's chilly clime, on wing repair; 730 
The Strymon's banks exchange for Nile's mild: breath ; 
And, 'gainst the Pigmies, carry war and death : 
Through ether, LerTERs* with their pinions, trace, 
Like those depicted by the human race. 
‘THE troops no sooner near the ocean came, 735 
Than glowed each breast with renovated flame ; 
On board the ships they flew; the anchors weighed ; . 
The sails unfurled; the yards aloft displayed ; 
Th’ Etrurian coast resounded with the roar, 
And Pisa’s port the navy covered o'er. 740 
So when the fleet that Agamemnon ted, 
T’ avenge the Grecian cause, its canvass spread, 
The conclamation rent the vaulted skies, 
And Aulis echoed with inciting cries. 


* The crane, in its flight, is supposed to resemble the Lambda (A) 
' of the Greek alphabet. 





263 


. Non billows’ rage, nor signs that storms infer, — 745 
Nor SourH-Winp’s whistle, could their minds deter. 
Unmoor, companions !" cried they, “ seas explore ! 

* With haste the cable sever from the shore ; 
* In spite of adverse waves, let us proceed, 

* And make the horrid monster, Gildo, bleed. 750 
* 'The tempest will our vessels forward force : 

* We long, through foaming floods, to take our course ; 
* And, daring OcrAN's surge, reach Africk’s strand, 

* Our shattered navy anch'ring near the land. | 
* What silly fears, O mortals! you betray, 755 
* Who watch, if back the corm’rant wings his way ; 

* Or o'er the sandy shore, with fond delight, 

* The wand'ring crow directs his airy flight. 

* Tf Sor in Western skies with spots be seen ; 

* Cold Eastern winds give Luna muddy mien; — 760. 
** Stars in disorder dart uncertain beams ; C 
* The Nortuern Kips pour down aquatick streams ; 
* The rainy Hyades the Burr attend; 

* And huge Orion in the Drx» descend: 

* The certain signs of Heav’n are these avowed, — 765 
*" But still Honorius surer is allowed. 

* His auspices, to lead o'er liquid plain, 

* We troops prefer to Bear, or CuaARLES's Warn. 

* Bootes with contempt, O pilot, meet, 

* And, spite of raging storms, conduct the fleet; . 770 
* If Libya, winds and waves to us deny: 

* On Cxsasg's* fortune firmly we rely." 
Now, o'er the rolling main, the vessels bore : 
U pon the right withdrew Liguria's shore; 
^ Alluding to the famous speech of Julius Casar, in Suetonius: 


*€ Quid times nauta, Cesarem vehis et Cesaris fortunam :" Jf/áat 
dost thou fear, seaman? thou carriest Cesar and his fortune. 


hj 20 , . 964 


Soon on the left Etruria disappeared ; . 275 
- * And Corsica’s deceitful roeks they cleared. 
An island large, like foot'of mortal framed, 
By husbandmen of old Sardinia named, 
In corn most rich, with ports convenient found 
^. For fleets, to Italy or Carthage, bound. 780 
The part, that t'wards the Africk-region lies, 
Is full of plains, and shipping's wants supplies; 
But on the Nortu rise rocks with rugged peak, 
Where billows roar and o'er the summits break, 
And lofty mountains, tow’ring to the sky, 785 
Which often sailors with dismay descry. 
Here pestilence o’er man and beast prevails, 
And SouTHERN blasts exclude the NoRTHERN gales. 
The fleet, by weary efforts, scaping these, 
Bore round the winding creeks, through surgy seas; 790 
Some Sulchi entered, raised by Punick toil : 
The rest reached Olbia, built on wave-lashed soil, 
Of long extension, facing Libya, stands 
The city Calaris, from Tyrian hands ; 
Amid the frothy tide a mole projects, 795 
Which, from tempestuous gusts, the place protects. 
The waters, thus compressed, a port assure : 
Calm reigns aroufid, from ev'ry wind secure. 
With one accord, the vessels thither bore ; 
Brought to :—their prows were fastened to the shore ; 800 
Awhile within the harbour they remained, 
Till fav'ring gales the airy regions gained. 


PANEGYRICK 


@N THE CONSULSHIP OF 


MALLIUS THEODORUS. 








PREFACE. 








Aap the learned circle spread around, 
Composed of characters the most renowned, 
O loved Thalia! dar’st thou silence break, 
And, feeling glory's sway, presum'st to speak?— 
By anxious toil and pain alone retained ; 5 
And poignant shame prevailing, if restrained. 
To camps inured, has confidence increased ?>— 
The poet’s martial ardour fears released ? 
In these the Roman pillars meet the sight, — 
The senate’s majesty, and Gaul’s delight. 10 
Our Muse, the universe is wont to hear; 
O'er earth the strains shall glide from ear to ear; 
The high regard we to the consul owe, | 
Will justify the confidence I show. 

GREAT Jove, ’tis said, his realms desired to trace, 15 
(To him ünknown,) th' extent of NATURE' space; 

. 2L 





266 


Two ministers he sent from East and Weer : 

With equal flight their rapid course they pressed ; 

_ The rival birds, upon Parnassus’ top, | 
Where Python djed, at once were seen to stop. 20 
Our prince, by eagles, seeks not earth's expanse : 

Th’ imperial arms with certainty advance ; 

Around, the world collected meets my sight, 

And ey’ry glory beams with lustre bright. 


4 





Her own reward is Virtus truly found, 
Nor needs she Fortune's smiles to shine around ; 
But far and wide her modest mantle plays : 
No pride from dignities her look conveys ; 
Nor seeks she from the throng to gain applause; 
No anxious wish for outward glitter shows ; 
No praise solicits, but within her breast, 
"Mid pleasure cherishes the worth possessed ; 
And viewing perils from her seat on high, 
On human grandeur casts disdainful eye. 
But yet at times, to reach her, honour tries, 
And, fawning, follows, howsoe'er she flies ; 
Oft in the cot a Licror has been sought, 
And from the humble plough a Coxsuz brought. 


"Tq 


10 


To raise the veils that, NATURE's laws, o'erspread, 15- 


Awhile, from publick functions, you were led ; 
To these recalled, Rome's empire to maintain, 
Your hand once more resumes th' imperial rein ; 
The consul's robe is added to the rest: 

O Theodorus ! with such goodness blessed, 
What store of excellence pervades your mind, 
And splendid honours seem for you designed! 

.In you the happy union we behold : - 
Around the Virtues, glory's beams unfold. 
While yet in early years, you thus were viewed, 
The curule chair you with success pursued; 
The hoary sire perceived, with marked surprise, 
The prudence, age bestows, in you arise; - 

2L9 


20 


25 





“968 


The mind mature: persuasive, dulcet tongue, 

And list'ning crowds, that on your aceents hung. 
Your eloquence soon charmed the Bar and Court: 
From you the innocent received support ; 

The senate’s admiration you obtained, 

And twice the suffrage of the nation gained. 

A Parr of Libya then approved your laws ; 
Each corner now thereon bestows applause ; 
Though short the time you in the province stáyed, 
The people's lasting love was soon displayed ; 
With fondest praise they on your conduct dwell, 
Which long with gratitade their lips shall tell. 
You next had charge of Macedonia's soil, 

And Pella's walls, that held th’ Hydaspes' spoil, 
In former days, by conqu'ring arms subdued ; 
Your gentle sway the pen'ral joy renewed : 

To recollection brought the glorjous times, 

When warlike Philips sceptre ruled their climes, 
Or- bis famed son, who overran the world, 

And, from his lofty throne, black Porus hurled. 

Bur, long in distant cities, to reside, 

Imperial Rome, permission, you denied ; 

Her own to make you, rather she desired ; 
The universe, your firm commands, admired. 
To supplicatiens you reply with ease ; 

Such eloquence is ever sure to please ; 

From you new force the royal mandates gain: 
Your words, the Roman majesty, maintain ; : 
In princely language highly you excel : 

More noble accents ne'er from mortal fell. 
The sacred treasure in your hands is laid; 
‘The tribute by*the vanquished nations paid; - 


35 


45 


50 


55 


8 





269 


The golden ore from depth of rivers rolled ; 

And whatsoe'er earth's hidden entrails hold, 

In veins far distant from the beams of day, 

Which Bessi, pale, extract from beds of clay. | 
So when the seaman who, with bertding oar, 63 

Has laboured long where briny billows roar, 

Is called to manage on the vessel's side, 

And through the waves the lofty prow to guide: 

Accustomed to withstand the tempest's rage, 

He dangers can with confidence engage; — - 70 

The helm at length submitted to his will, 

Across the foaming deep he ploughs with skill. 
Tus, when such proofs and faculties you showed, 

On you the prince the highest pow'r bestowed; 

Not part, but Att to your behests he gave :— 75 

Iberia's boist'rous sea';—the German wave; E 

And distant Britein, severed from the world : 

The sluggish Arar ;—Rhone, with fury hurled ;— 

And rich Iberus, rolling golden sands.:— 

In various streams, respected your commands. 80 

O how Rhine’s shore, that fierce BARBARIANS sway, 

Desires both banks alike should you obey! 

Whatever glows with Phoebus’ setting beams ; 

Where'er the Day’s declining lustre gleams ; 

Your constant cares through ev'ry clinie extend : 85 

"To one alone submissively they bend. 

The course of honours rapidly you've run: 

A single period has sufficient done;- — — 

So many boons has Fate at once bestowed, 

That floods of favour on your youth have flowed. 90 
CALX reigning round, and you with glory fraught, 

Secure of fame, retirement then you sought; 





270 


Again the fields of NATURE overran: 
Each hour devoted to some useful plan. 
When from the Bar:—your moments were resigned, 95 
Attentively to cultivate the mind ; 
By turns, the state your guardian care enjoyed, 
And, with the Nive, your leisure was employed. 

THE mysteries to Athens known of old, 
By ev'ry means you studied to unfold;  . 100. 
Whate'er philosophers discovered new: 
The various sects that into notice grew ; 
Some* Arn pronounced the great, primeval source ; 
Another saget, to WATER, had recourse, 
From whence, he fondly taught, Begrrnine came: 105 
While, every thing, a third| derived from Frame. 
The fourth], on 7Etna's brink, (his future grave,) 
At will restrained, or full expansion gave, 
' The Pow’r that ALL pervades ; and this he moved 
As parts discordant or harmonious proved. 110 
Corporeal sense most fully one$ decried, 
And truth, distinctly seen, at once denied. 
Another|, from the constant whirl, on high, 
. Of Heav'nly bodies through the azure sky, 
Endeavoured, in tb' ethereal space, to prop 115 
| EARTH' pond'rous load, that ready seems to drop; 
And, from the motion of a stone immense, 
Excited light, which day's brigbt beams dispense. 
Indignant feeling that, above his head, 
But one Olympick canopy was spread; 120 
He, through th' extensive void, with boldness flew, 
. And, finite things discarding from his view, 


* Anaximencs. 1 Thales. } Heraclitus. t Empedocles. 
§ Pyrrho. || Aristotle. 














271 


Ideally eonceived that he had found, 

Innumerable worlds produced around. 

The first formation some* derived from chance, 125 

The clash of atoms in the wide expanse; 

‘While othersf to a pow'r divine inclined, 

And casual causes banished from the mind. 
THE ancient lore of Greece that lay concealed, 

In Rome's delightful language you revealed; 180 

The pleasing dialogues, by you disposed, 

The truth, by turns, with flow'ry wreaths disclosed. 

Whate’er from Socrates’ wise precepts flowed : 

Cleanthes’ scholars to his lessons owed ;— 

Chrysippus fathomed in his lonely shed ;— 135 

Democritus, with bursts of laughter, said ;— 

Pythagoras, the friend of silence, taught : 

By you these ancient stores were forward brought ; 

In one assembled, strength more clear was shown, 

And greater light upon the subject thrown. 140 
Tue Grecian learning illustration gained : 

A nobler master Latiim now maintained ;— 

Th’ Athenian schools no longer credit held : 

Philosophy repaired where you excelled, 

Who doubts removed ;—true happiness portrayed ;—145 

The rules of justice :—duty's bounds, displayed ; 

And showed how V 1RTUx, under various names, 

Might vice o'erthrow :—repress injurious claims ;— 

By reason, fear with confidence inspire ; | 

And place a curb on turbulent desire. ^ 150 
Tux sev'ral elements your voice explains : 

]ow matter in a fluid state remains ; 


* Democritus and Epicurus. 
t The followers of Plato against Epicurus. 


272 


The pow'r that animates the stars on high, 
And harmony extends along the sky : 
Directs this vest machine, its course to trace, 145 
With motion regular, through ether’s space; 
Why back the sev’n revolving planets go, 
And retrogression in their movements show? 
If one great ruler regulates the whole, 
Or two superior Bernos Heav'n control? 160 
If colours be inherent in the thing, | 
Or only from deluded vision spring? 
How Ocxax's tides are swelled by Lune's rays? 
What wind the bursting thunders down conveys? 
Whence rainy clouds ;—the hail and flaky snow ?— — 165 . 
The streaming flames that from the welkin flow ? 
The red-forked flashes, darting through the air? 
And horrid comet’s tail with hideous glare? 

Your sbip was now at anchor safely placed : 
The earth and fruitful leisure, you embraced ; 170 
Your literary works, on wings of fame, 
T’wards immortality, conveyed youf name. 
When Justice presently, from realms on high, 
On this retirement cast an anxious eye, 
Perceived that inactivity prevailed, | 175 
And laws, for want of due attention, failed, 
A veil she o'er her modest features threw ;— 
From gates of Aurumn suddenly withdrew, 
Where, in the Sour, the Zodiack downward bends, 
While, on the Scorpion, Nicur for light depends. 180 
Where'r she took her flight, calm peace was seen; 
Ferociousness appeared with tranquil mien ; 
All sought the charming goddess to behold, 
Who earth bad quitted since the age of gold. 








gr 


Iw silence she Ligurig's city* gajned: 189 
. The mansion entered that, her frisnd, fontaine. 
Whom she discovered tracing, with hijs hand, 
Celestial motions, on the yielding sand; . | 
Those calculations which, amid surprise, 
Th’ ingenigus Memphis viewed with eager eyes :— 199 
Tes through the skies, the Heav'nly bodies moved ;:— 
he planets’ regular rotations proved :— 

Whe numbers indicated, ‘mid the day, 
The shades of darkness o'er the Spy’s bright ray ;— , 
Aad Phobe's phases, when her brothers sight — — 195 
Was intercepted, void of beaming light. 

AT length Astrea's fulgent face he spied, 
And felt. convinced a goddess be descried : 
Her venerated features overran ; 
Advanced ;—and from the sand effaced his plan. 200 

To him th’ IammoRTAL thus herself addressed :— 
* O Mallius !—goodness glowing in thy breast, 
* In whom the ancient equity is found, 
* And manners of a better age abound, 
* Enough of study ;—leave the TUNEFUL THRONG : 205 
* From me already thou hast been too long, 
** "The laws recall thee: come, resume thy pow'r, 
* And, on thy former bays, fresh lustre shpw'r. 
* Who bounds e'er set to serving human kind? 
* Herself, to limits, PRuDENCE ge’er resigned. — 410 
** With many, thou bast early honours viewed ; 
* But solely merit finds the same renewed : 
** The repetition approbation shows; 
‘“ And Viarur fondly cains what FonruNj chose. 

Z2 


-1! 


* Milan. 


274 


* Dost think that NATURE opes a finer field, 215 
* And more rewards will to thy labours yield ?— 

^ ‘That precepts, by thy fav'rite Plato, taught, 

* His country, benefits superior, brought, 

^ 'To him* who, foll'wing oracles renowned, 

* Plunged EasTERN navies in the deep profound, 220 
** The citizens in vessels bore away, 

* And Athens saved from flames and Persian sway? 

* Lycurgus could the Spartan dames inspire 

* With courage equal to his fond desire, 

* And, by the impulse of his laws severe, 225 
* The timid sex dismissed each trembling fear : 

** Though bare of walls, the people undismayed, 

* Intrepid valour, 'mid the fight, displayed ; 

* While, at Tarentum, spite of counsel grave, 

* That sage Pythagoras so fully gave, 230 
* And years of silence anxiously maintained, 

'* Disgraceful luxury was unrestrained. 

** 'To $uch a prince, who service would deny? 

* Could merit better for reward rely? . 

“ ()f highest folly he should be accused, 235 
‘© Who, joined with Stilicho, his pow’rs, refused. 

** In council, or where floats the martial crest, 

* What former age another such possessed ? 

* Stern Drutus would be pleased beneath his sway ; 

* Fabricius easily the court obey; 240 
* And e’en the rigid Catos feel inclined, 

* To subjugate their independent mind. 

* Our sister, CLEMENCY, thou may'st observe, 

** ‘To blunt the cruel sword, strains ev'ry nerve; 


* Themistocles. 








273 


* And Prety is lifted from the ground, 245 
*€ "Two brothers clasping, who serene are found. 
“ See Perripy, oer broken arms, forlorn ; 
** The serpents, from the Furres’ tresses torn, 
* Now gasp for breath, and vomit on their chains — 
* A venom that no longer force retains. 250 
* With Peace, triumphantly FArTH shows delight : 
* We, from ABovE, have hither winged our flight ; 
* The Pow’rs Divine from high Olympus range, 
_“ [n cities to behold the happy change. 

** O Theodorus !—to return, decide."— 055 
He, humbly to the goddess, thus replied : | 

“ REVERED Astrea! me, would you compel 
To quit the solitude i in which I dwell ? ] 
** With rust of rural habits covered o'er, | 
* Must I beneath your standards move once niore? 260 
* T solely have, a length of time, with toil, 
** My cares employed to furrow up the soil ; 
** To learn its nature :—study rocks and trees ; 
** The aspect that with olives best agrees , 
** ‘What lands with corn are proper to be sown, 262 
* And sloping hills for fruitful vines alone. 
** Shall I, a veteran, again be found, 
* Where clarions' roar spreads trembling tertours round? 2 
* An aged seaman, from the seas, retired, 
** To plough, as formerly, the Drx», required ! 270 
** Must I once more to Forrune trust my fame; 
* Risk glories safe: and place in doubt my name? 
* J know that Use can NATURE e'en subdue; 
*« But soon is that forgot, we don't pursue. 
** Brisk steeds contemn the feeble guide's command, 275 
** And bows, awhile unstrung, resist the hand. 
|. M2 7 


^d 


876 


But Justice to refuse, I will avow, 
** There’s no excuse: her claims we must allow. 


** "Twas you, mankind, frorà woods and caves first drew, 


*. And made them turpitude with liorrour view: 
** The laws respect ; and banish ftom the niind, 
** That fell ferocity for beasts designed. 

* Whoe’er your precepts in his breast retains 


$80 


** May bo.dly rush through flames or liquid plains: ° 


* Unarmed, himself against battalions trust, 

** And hosts of foes consttain ta bite the dust. 

^ For him shall show'rs cool Ethidpia’s heat, ''. 

'f And Scythia, warmth from vernal breezes, meet." 
Tuis said, he, from the goddess’ hands, received ' 

Four reins of length, with Equity inweaved ; 

The one, the Po and "Tiber's streams, enibraced, 

And Italy with nym’rous cities, graced ; | 

A second, Carthage, ruled, and Libya's shore : 

Th’ Illyrian tracts, the third extended o’er ; ; 

The last reached Corsica, Sardinia s hills, 

And triforked Sicily's rich fields and ris, 

And whatsoe’er Tyrrhenian billows lave, 

Or sounds with dashing of th’ Ionian wave. 

Th’ extended sway and burden of affairs, 

Nor shook your firmness, nor petplexed your cares. 

But, like Olympus’ summit, raised on high, 

Which leaves a space below, where tem pests. fly, 

No low’ring clouds intrude their sullen mien; ' 

The air remains eternally serenc : 


Unmoved, the mount hears rain in torrerits pour, * 


Roll t'wards the foot, and thunders loudly roar. 
So Theodorus, calmness in his breast, 
And always like himself with freedom blessed, 


285 


joi 


300 





277 


Stands undisthtyed atid doncerhs of state; E 

With equity detittés, fr spité of hate: "l7. 815 

From rectitude nó might hiv steps carforee} C 

Nor favour -w&tb the tetrout óf^fiis course; ^ t o 

For riches, youicontempt shall I-disclose, ^ :- 

And horrour'rat your mftid for lucre shows? 

Perhaps, to otheís, such might -honour gain: "^ .:313 

No praise, that: you from sordid crimes abstain. ; 
Your accents inodesty divine possess; 

The eyes tranquillity of soul expross; i 

No anger beams ; ‘no vdins with fury swell, 

Nor stormy clouds ‘uport ‘your features dwell. 898 

No rage impels -&hen, culprits, you chastise ; : 

Regret and feelitis:m yout bosem rise: — 

No teeth are gnashed while terratir is conveyed, 

Nor scourges dire with blust'ring threats Gisplayed. 

Whoe'er in cruel tortures takes delight, =. -. . 3 

But makes the laws subsetvient to his spite. 

When bitterness of soul pervades the heart; 

The bosom buts +’ infltet the poignant smart; - 

The cause unknown, yet whips are freely used; : 

And sacred justice wentorly.ebused. — ' ic 330 

But he, whom reason, unt fell :vengeunce, guides, . 

Who sifts and fully weighs ‘whit .he decides, 

Pecreeing chastisement with uoursel wise: . 

Resembles these, who vule the azure skies. 

Let others glory in the bloody steel ; 335 

Each nerve exert dread terrours round to'deal .: . 

And heap up treasures ftom the spoils of those, - 

Condemned to feel the’ weight of humdn woes. 

The Nile with gentle force pursues his way : 

No streams the like fertility convey ; 340 


ra 





278 
Yet, murmurs, ne'er his gliding waters make, 
As on, with dignity, their course they take. 
The mighty Danube, rough and rapid found, 
In silence moves along the wave-worn ground. 
Devoid of noise, the same, with motion slow, 344 
Th’ enormous Ganges’ floods to OcrzAw flow. 
Let torrents rage, and foam, and loudly roar, 
And, madly, 'gainst the weary bridges, pour ; 
Whth frantick fury, from the forest$, sweep 
Huge trees, and bear them down the hendlong steep : 350 
The greatest rivers roll with quiet mien ; 
In peace the height of majesty is seen. 
By gentle means, has often been obtained, 
‘ What overbearing force would ne'er bave gained ; 
And goveroment, maintained by easy hands, 355 
Impels with greater pow'r than dread commands. 
You feel distressed when prayers unjust are made: 
The rules of equity your breast pervade. 
The arrogance, that dignities surrounds, 
Ne'er taints your mind : still modesty abounds. 360 
The man who, consequence with pride, displays, 
The want of merit, by his air, betrays. 
The gravity, that overspreads your face, 
Receives, from pudency, the highest grace. 
When you appear, seditions quiet grow : 365 
The frantick mob, to you, submission, show ; 
Amid Barbarians, what infuriate rage, 
But your pacifick accents can assuage ? 
Or who, that should mellifluous words desire, | 
But, you, would rather hear than Orpheus’ lyre? — 3709 
As you the cradle of the world portray, 
Or life, that bodies animates, display, 








279 


So, in your style, as we the page pursue, 
The faithful image of yourself We view. 

Nor from you is withheld the high reward ; 
Honorius feels, for merit, just regard ; 
'To honours you are raised, with fond delight, 
Which, to the palace senators, unite, 
And place the nobles by the sov'reign's side ; 


375 


The year has reached its end: the prince with pride 380 


Invests you with the robes that consuls wear, 
. Aud, in your favour, quits the iv’ry chair, 
Where he bas set, declared, by publick voice, 
Four times the object of the people's choice. 
May virtues rapidly increase around, 
And highly flourishing the age be found. 
Th' extensive field of glory open lies; 
For merit, sure reward, the crown supplies; 
And Inpvusrtry, her will, may freely use, 
With fruitful gain, that from ber toil accrues. 
O Arts! in sleep absorbed, rouse, quit your rest ; 
Too long Ams1rr1on has your rights oppressed ; 
No more the pow'r of Envy overwhelms, 
Since Stilicho is guardian of the realms, 
Which his resplendent son-in-law obey, 
Who, through the universe, extends his sway : 
Ne’er falls the consulship to mortals base, 
Nor, Latian honours, names contemned disgrace, 
The brave alone to dignities aspire, 
Whichr none but lofty senators acquire ; 
And those, to whom the preferetice is shown, 
Imperial Rome shall never blush to own. 

On rapid wings conveyed, the consul’s name 


Was sounded, through th’ Aonian groves, by FAME; 


385 


390 


395 


400 





280 


The happy Helicon reeehoes gave; - ^ 405 
From Aganippe flowed more capious wave ; 

And, on the banks, where similes extended, round, 

The flow'rs enamelled eagerly the ground. 

UnaNrA* who, with garlands on ber hair, . 
Had often guided Malling’ head with cane, 419 
When he the. eoprse described, the planets ran ;— 

To her divine companions thus began: 
* Wuart, sisters! such a day, shall we decline, . 
* So long desired, and not to joy resign; 
« Be from the consul’s palace now deterred, : 41$ 
* Whose house, to Helicon, we oft preferred? 
* Let him from curule chairs receive delight, 
** ‘And Rops before him gratify the sigbt ;— 
* Portray those merits which so much abound, 
* While, with his name, the theatres resound. 429 
* Haste, Erato, to sub-marine domains, 
* And, from the monarch of the liquid plaina, 
* Procure four coursers proper for the field, - 
* That ne'er tbe palm would to Arion yield, 
* His course the steed let round the circustake, 425 
“ That used, by neigbings, Betis’ baoks to shake; 
«* With Tagus’ splendid stream his thirst ellayed, 
"^ While, o'er his mane, the golden waters played. 
* Calliopé! Alcides ask to bring 
* The wrestlers, hand to hand within the Ring, — 439 
** "Those youth who Paleémonian crowns obtained, 
* And, from th’ Elean Tuunp’RER praises gained. 
* Go, Clio, to Taygetus’ high mound, 
* And Meenalus, with bushes spreading round, 


_ * The Muse presiding ovet the Stars and Heavens. 





281 


 Diana’s kieos with. eagerness étbrace ; | 433 
«* Latone’s daughter will accord the grace: 

“ The amphitheatre eompletely fill 

- With dy'ry pemp, aad men of wond'rous dil, 

« Who shall ferocious animals enehain, n 

‘ And, with the staff, inflict death’s poignant pain; 440 

* Drag captive monsters-from their lone repair, 

“ And hang tbe sated bow bwhile in eir, 

€ Let bears assembled roar and, from on high, | 

“ Among Lyraon-stars in azure sky, 

* Fierce Helicé their bulky size admye ; 443 

“ The people, pallid, lions see expire: 

“ Such Cybelé witli pleasure might restrain 

* In her Mygdonian car beneath the rein ; 

“ Would wosthy prove ’gainst. Hercules to stand, 

“ And death.teceive from his destructive hand. 450 

“ Let savage panthers come with lightning’s force; 

* Against the.pointed javelin take their course ; 

** The mixed produotion of the forest-queen, 

* With highadult’rer of ‘the sylvan scend ;- 

“ The father's-spote upon the fur arise: — 455 

" The royal mother pow'rfal strength supplies. 

' Whatever monsters range Gastulian plains ; 

* The snowy Alps, or hilly Gaul contains : 

* Let, in the bloody sand, their breath exhale, 

“ And, through the cirous, gore and death prevail. 460 

“ Then softer pleasures shall be seen around: 

* The merry jest ‘mid bursts of laughter found; 

“ The mute expression of the mien and hands; 

* Sweet sounds from flutes that gentle breath commands; - 

* The lute’s melodious notes, which freely flow 468 

* When, o'er the tuneful strings, proceeds the bow ; 

aN 


282 
* The sock, and buskin with majestick tread, 


** ‘Through scenes and stage, their resonances spread. 


* The light and nimble fingers, in their course, 


* From num'rous tubes of brass, shall echoes force, 470 


* Like thander's roar; while, by the lever’s might, 


** Th’ internal waves? in motion yield delight. 

* As birds that play along the vaulted skies, - 

* On one another piled shall mortals rise, 

* And at the top a boy, securely tied, 

* With balanced motions move from side to side. 

A Pegmaf huge shall by its weight descend : 

* Innoxious flames like sounds around extend ; 

* And Vulcan various balls of fire display, 

* That innocently range, with rapid ray, 

** O'er boards embellished by the painter's art: 

* Glow on the tow’rs, and instantly depart. 

* In ocean quickly formed, shall ships sustain 

** The sportive fight, like battles on the main; 

* And sailors, ‘mid the floods that foam around, 

* (By science brought,) repeat the joyful sound." 
EXTOLLED for eloquence, with double claim 

The consul's merit shall support his fame: . 

To future ages be his name conveyed, © 

In works bis own and calendars displayed. . 

To this example may his son attend ; 

The grandson equally to virtue bend ; 

The Rops in honour move before the heir ; 

The robe of state the race for ever wear ; 


475 


480 


485 


9 Ctesibjus of Alexandria, who lived in the reign of Ptolemy Ever- 


getes, is said to have first invented the HyprauLicx OncAN. 


+ The PrGMA was a vast wooden machine used in amphitheatrical _ 


. sbows. 








283 


The parent, Axzs to the son, transmit; 495 
Nor Fate the regular succession quit ; 

Posterity the noble lineage count, 

By consuls that to Theodorus mount. 


END OF THE FIBST VOLUME. 


. Langdon and Sop, Printers, Sherborne. - 





fa 
THE 


WORKS OF CLAUDIAN. 











THE 


» WORKS 


CLAUDIAN,;: 


TRANSLATED INTO 


English "Errore, 


P] 


BY 


A. HAWKINS, ESQ. F.H.S. 


een. 


IN TWO VOLUMES. 


VOL. IJ. 


** He was endowed with the rare and precious talent of raising the 
meanest, of adorning the most barren, and of diversifying the 
most similar topics.” 

_ Gissox. 


LONDON: 


PRINTED FOR J. PORTER, NO. 81, PALL-MALL; 
AND LANGDON AND SON, SHERBORNE. 


1817. 


Qe 


Langdon and Son, Printers, Sherborne. 











INVECTIVES 


EUTROPIUS. 





BOOK I. 


Fox mothers, monsters risen have to light, 
Half-beast productions, hideous to the sight! 
Fierce wolves, amid the night, with howlings dread, 
Have, through the. peaceful cities, borrours spread ; 
From speech of .cattle, shepherds felt surprise: ó 
In tempests, pebbles fallen from the skies; 
The welkin, bloody.clouds have covered o'er; 
The limpid fountains, changed to ruddy gore ; 
The Moow against a sister Moon has run; | 
And Sor contegded with another Sun. 10 
Let prodigies like these no more be told, 
Since consul now an eunuch we behold ; 
Oh shame of: Heav'n above and earth below ! 
A horrid being robed, through streets to show! © 
Disgrace of manhood, publickly proclaim ! 15 
Emasculation give the year a name! 

Vor. II. 


2 


O Poxtirrs! verse Cumean open lay ; 
The Siby!'s sacred oracles display ; 
Let sage Etrurians view, with prying eyes, 
The flame that from tbe roaring thunder flies ; 
And, in fresh entrails, let soothsayers trace 
The latent cause of crimes that us disgrace. 
What new distress portend the pow'rs on high > 
Will Nile, to find another passage, try : 
Desert our country*, distant shores to lave, 
And mix bis waters with the Ruppy Wave? 
Burst has Niphates, and BARBARIAN arms 
Again, the Orrent, filled with dire alarms? 
Some dreadful pestilence o erspread the air, 
And crops no profits yield the farmer's care? 
What sacrifice will calm th’ IuMorTALs’ ire? 
What victim on the altar shall expire ? 
The consul's blood should purify the Rops ; 
The monster's death appease the angry gods ; 
Whate'er disasters FATE'around has spread, 
Let tuinble on the vile Eutropius’ head. 


O FonTuNE! dost thou thus all NATURE jeer, 


And o'er the realm expand thy wild. career ?: 
How long this cruelty wilt thou maintain, — : 
And over human things. extend thy reign? 

If curule chairs to crimes must be decreed : 
From chains allow the congul to be freed ; 

His prison burst ere him Rome’s girdles span: 
And let the mortal be—at least a Man! 

E'en 'mong these slaves a difference is found: . 
Vice has its shades, and merits oft abouud ; 


. Egypt, the poet's native country. 


35 





: 


He, who in place with constancy remains, .. 

Has most pretensions to be free from stains. ,, . 

Go count the Libyan sands, or waves that flow :: — 5 

Eutropius num'rous masters thou wilt know “7 , 90, 

How oft he changed domains, names, records too : 

Himself quite nude exposed-to buyer's view, 

Who, fearing lest defects should be concealed, 

A doctor brought, that all might be revealed! 

The price by ev'ry ope,tog much was thought ;— , 5 

For sale thrust back, while yet he might be bought. 

But when the hideous cargass nought displayed, - 

Save wrinkled furrows, signs of force decayed, 

They drove him from rewards of early times, 

And, with the thoughtless, placed the lump of crimes. 6 

While old in servitude, oft new he proved : 

Beneath the yoke of yarious masters moved ; 

In bondage ever destined to remain ; 

Though changing place, yet still a slave again. | 
WITHIN the cradle anguish first he Anew ; || 03 

Dread ruddy stains about the bedding flew ; , 

Dragged from the tender mother's fond embrace, ! 

To guffer cruelty and dire disgrace. | 

A skilled Armenian who, vith bloody hand, 

Could males unsex, and make new pow'rs expand, 70, 

Purloined, with cruel art, the fruitful flame, ; 

And stripped at once the sire. and husband's name. ., 

Awhile in doubt of life Eutropius lay : 

The mutilation dulled the mental ray. 

Should we our praises on tbe arm bestow, 

That strength contrived to rayish from a foe? - 

Or rather feel regret that FA TE received 

Sufficient cause for injuries achieved ? 


2 


=~ 


) 


*-. 
T 
Sr 


4r 


Had he been suffered to remain'a Maw, 
He might have acted on a better plan ; 80 
Delight from infaniy he seems to'gàin : E | 
Had he more povrs, still slave: lie would remain. 

TuzN through the markets of Axsytia’s shire, | 
Him presently an arch Galatian bore; — 
Conveyed from house to house, and fiir to fair: á5 
The num'rous names, what morta! could declüré ? 
The soldier, Ptolemy, well known around, 
When he no longer pleasure frorn him found, 
The aged lump to Arintheus lef] - 
To int’rest useless, and of bloom beréft. — " 96 
The separation filled his breast with sighs, 
And copious floods of tears o'erspread his eyes. - 

“ O ProrEu v! thy oaths hast thou forgot? 
* Dost thou the fond embrace from metn’ry blot? 
* How oft together in one cratéh we rolled, 95 
“ When SrzzP the sense and weary limbs controlled ? 
** For recompense was liberty declared ; 
* Eutropius to desert, art thou prepared ? 
* Ungrateful man! so many nights, alas! 
** In solitary sadness must I pass? 100 
** () race unfortunate of humaf kind! | 
* How very hard the lot to us assipned! 
** When, o'er the female's face, spreads wrinkled age, 
‘ Her babes, the wav'ring husband's heart, engage ; 
* And while in youth her beauty was adored, 105 
‘© In life's decline her virtues, charms, afford. 
* But us, from whom the sage Lucina flies, 
* And ev'ry hope of progeny denies, | 
* Friends shun, when years, our blooming features, take, 
** And all their foriner tenderness forsake. 110 





9 

« Whet wit? art! dtr! stioni@ers; test wil? diilejit - 
* Or how, delight; shall Holy ttesses yield" o^ — 

Ruts said, hie fruitful mind ti Hine diseinsed,: ; 
The pander's trade, to: wilich Devwag. dipewd;.' L 
The horrid office. bis. attention diew:: . | EUM 
Each snare for intiócsnes he fully: knew rn 
His base assault#, te-rareparts-ceultl: cia» 
Not modesty, By: ts, escape his-hand ; . 


Fen Danae, secured! in brazen-tow'y- ^ o e. 

He quickly would have got within: His pow i1. no 
The big tear trickled, as, with passion: üHed, Von n 
His master’s eyes the pearty érop distilicd.; gts K 


The Snv, by importanity ‘he gained. ;- 

By bribes the Sonp1,—-jests,: te. Gav, obtained. zE 

In publie walks he managed, with address, — -. ; 125 

Against the sides ef ABIGAILS' to prese: ro . 

The veil aside with gentle finger laid, :- , 

Aud whispered messages that, crime conveyed ; 

Arranged with wily art the time and' place: 

Used ev'ry caution te prevent disgrace ; 2430 

And, if the mystery were brought to -hght, E 

Escaped the husband's rage by sudden flight. 
So Corinth, placed between two liquid plains, - 

Saw Lais, once, from youth reap num'rous gains; 

But when gray-beirs, the garland's twine, resigned, 185 

The multitude of nightly guests declined : - 

No more the door with eager knocks pursued, 

And withered age with dread, the mirror, viewed ; 

Attached, in spite of years, to scenes like these, 

She others served, and taught the way to please; 140 

Though, by T'ixz's hand, of beauty: quite bereft, 

Her former manners still unchanged were left. 





6 


By such base megns Eutropius, honour, sought ; 
Alone, in eunuchs, purity was thought ;: 
The nuptial couch, . intruated. to their care, 145 
Was fancied safe from ev'ry wily snares - - 
Adult’rous complaisanoe he slyly showed, 
And all his consequence to that he owed. - - 
However, still the whip, bis back, assailed, - 
When, in amours; :his master’s prospects failed ; 150 
In vain he earnest sypplieations made : 
Hisiformer services at large portrayed ; 
But, spite of these, no favour he obtained, 
A son-in-law his future labours gained ; | 
When, with the bride, het sire a portion. gave, 155 
He, neat her person, placed the artful slave. - 

A Morrat, destined. Og1ENT reins to guide, 
And, in the consul’s stately car, to ride :— 
At times, with comb in hand, employed to place 
His mistress’ tresses to.appear with grace: 160 
Then (stripped), from silver basin, poured the wave, 
In which the beauteous fair herself might lave; 
Or, when outstretched beneath the sultry ray, 
With peacocks’ plumage fanned her as she lay ! 

AND now the ‘skin that o'er his cheek extends, 165 
By age grown lank and flabby, inward bends ; 
The face, with hideous wrinkles overrun, 
Looks like a raisin scorched by burning sun. 
Less furrowed seem the fields with ploughshare tilled, 
Or trembling sails by winds imprisoned filled. 170 
Offensive vermin prey upon his head ; 
The hair, in spots irregularly spread, 
Like barren stalks of corn in arid ground, 
From space to space lie thinly scattered round ; 


7 


Or feathers that ‘int winter swallows drop, 
"Mid frosts expiring dn tHe trees’ high' top. 
The consul's office, doubtless, to disgrace, 


Made Fortune mark tho&e horrours on his face :— 


A pallid spectre, whóse disgusting sight, 

And naked bones, his rhasters, filled with fright: 
Thin, livid semblente, shocking to the eye ; 

Him boys and guests alike were led to fly; 

To slaves an object of reproach complete ; 

An omen dread for travellers to meet : 
Exhausted trunk, that useful force had fled : 

His hands too weak to raise the nuptial bed, 

Or e'en eut wood to serve the kitchen flame ; 

10 treasures faithless ; —secrets ;—dress, the same. 
Who, to a pander, would his wife intrust >— 


175 


180 


185 


At length the wretch from household gods was thrust: 199 


Ill-omened shadow ! odious to behold, 
Left, through disgust, in freedom uncontrolled. 

Tur shepherd thus his dog by steel restrains, 
And feeds with milk, while able. he remains 
To guard the flock and, by his wakeful care, 
Away the hungry wolves with howlings scare. 
But when, grown old, his ears o'errun with mange, 
And strength decayed, the master sees the change, 
The collar from his neck he takes away, 

And, this retaining, lets him freely stray. 

Ort when contempt has been profusely shown, 
The object thence a-benefit has known. - 
Entropius now at liberty remained, 

His snares to place, by fears no more restrained, 
And open to.himeelf an easy way, 
To honours which the DzsTiN1Es display. 


Y 


195 


200 


| e05 ' 


* 
] ^ 
LI 


© Pow's Supresx! upon. Olysepue: height, 
' Thus, human kind:to jeer, dest.thou, delight? 
What !—One degraded.ase slave wait, 
Selected,.at the helm of -state, 4o sit ? 
And him, that every, private house disdaing, 
Beneath the rgyal:coof, high.pow'r suainiains ! 
WHEN first at court this aped. dox «5.4400, 
Astonishment pervadéd ev'ry anien.; 
All grieved, with-sacred &unctions, to, behold 
A hideous carcass, often bought and-sold. 
<Fh’ imperial servants, raised above therr,e 
At such a vile:associate, felt distressed. 
SEE then, amid the Latran CALENBSshowb, 
A horrid monster, eunucbs blush to ows ! 
Awhile his days-obscurely .paseed away : 
d<mong the crewd.contemued, concealed: he lay, 
*Till Abundantius, from the lowly bed, 
The worthless wretch to bonour’s summit. dod, 
Who, when der OgieNT realms .his fury burst, 
The man who raised. him, sacrificed tha:firt. 
How wise the.dispensations from ran high ! 
Oft base advisers eanly victims lie | 
So when the sage sootbsayer tried to goin 


‘20 


.A15 


S90 


£25 


The Tuus p'asa's smiles, by blood. of atrangara slainj230 


And, to its former bed, Nile's stream restore, 
(That, dry for years, bad leftits ancient shore, — 
Befote the altar which his labours framed, 

He fell, by fatal blows, Busiris aimed : 

Himself the first a sacrifice was made, 

And, purple.stains thereon, hig gore displayed. 
The artist, who the brazen bull designed, 

‘And torments aew contrived for human kind, ' 


235 








9 


First, by Sicilian tyrant’s dread command, 

Experienced tortures, modeled by his hand : 240 

Confined therein, he poignant anguish bore, 

And filled the hollow space with hortid roar. 

Thas with Eutropius who, the man, o'erthrew, 

That first, to pow'r, this hideous menial, drew ; - 

At once his patron’s exile, he contrived, £45 

The sole decree, from Justice, he derived. 
Now hoary age around his temples spread, 

To honours’ height the semi-man was led ; 

His warmest wish had never such supposed, 

Nor e’en his visionary dreams disclosed ;— 250 

Laws at his feet; the nobles abject grown ; 

And, by the Desrin1£s, such favour shown ! 

He, who ’till lately hopes had scarcely placed, 

Beyond what liberty for limits traced, 

To know his former masters, hardly deiyns, $55 

And arrogance within his bosom reigns. 

Illustrious men are into dungeons thrown, 

There, heaped together, left to sigh and groan ; 

Through Meroé and Ethiopia’s ground, 

The hapless exiles’ lamentations sound ; 260 

The regions placed beneath the sultry sky, 

Reecho with the wretched’s doleful cry ; 

And floods of noble blood, from victims slain, 

In Libya, mighty Ammon’s alter, stain. . 
Mont cruel none, than one, possessed of place, 965 

Whose base-born origin to dirt we trace ; | 

"Gainst all he drives, since ev'ry one he fears : 

To prove his pow'r, with violence appears; 

No beast more savage than a slave elate, 

Upon superior heads, to wreak his hate. 270 
Vor. 1I. B 


10 


In victims' moans he recollects his own ; 

Nor tortures thinks to spare, himself had known ; 

His master, in remembrance, he retains, 

And, breathing vengeance, ev'ry effort strains. 

Did ever eunuch tender pity know? . 

Or, for a son or kindred, feeling show ? 

Alike to Mercy, claims in equals rise, 

And hearts misfortune joins with mutual ties. 

In him howe'er a tyrant, eunuchs find : 

The thirst of gold pervades Eutropius’ mind ; 

Of manhood’s soft endearment dispossessed, 

This only passion reigns within his breast. 
IN vain the. steel enervates sensual joy : 

No force his bloody av'rice can destroy. 

His hand, to petty thefts at first inured, . 

To pilfer meats and closets ill-secured, E 

Now seeks, in larger fields, to raise supplies, . 

And, o'er th' extensive globe, for plunder tries. 

Base broker! empires trafficking for gold ; 

Abandoned salesman! who oft honours sold: 

Whate'er th' extensive regions that divide 

The lofty Heemus’ steep and craggy side, ^ - 

From where the Tygris’ flowing waves prevail : 

All, all is equally designed for sale! 

A manor, Asia’s government, obtains ; 

A wife's resplendent jewels, Syria, gains ; 

And, for paternal home, resigued with grief, 

Bithynia, in exchange, imparts relief. 

The entrance to his house, which open stands, 

Is hung with prices of the various lands ;— 

This sum Galatia ;—that will Pontus buy ;— 

And there th’ amount for Lydia meets the eye. 


a 


279 


280 


295 


300 














11 


Those thousands bring should, Lycia, you desire ; 
Add somethmg more if, Phrygia, you require... - 
He fain on ev'ry thing a price would set, 305 
That he some consolation thence might get : 
Himself so very often bought and sold, 
He willingly would Arr for sale behold. 
When in suspense between two offers made, 
By him the gold ts in the balance laid : '" . 310 
The province totters in th' unequal scales, 
And weight of metal constantly prevails. 
Oh! Pow’rs Supreme, though you no shame betray, 
When, nations sold in publick, you survey, 
Yet, for the author of this traffick base, 315 
A blush, the cheek divine, would ne'er disgrace. 
What ?—One the law regards as in the grave*, 
Thus cities large and kingdoms to enslave ! 
Was pow rful Creesus, for his riches known, 
By Cyrus’ conqu'ring forces overthrown, 320 
That Hermus’ and Pactolus’ streams might flow, 
An eunuch solely, reverence to show ? 
Did Attalus, O Rome! make you his heir; — 
Antiochus, Mount 'l'aurus, bounds declare ;— 
Servilius, to his car Isaurians, chain ;— 323 
Augustus, to submission Egypt, gain ;— 
Or, over Crete, Metellus sway extend : 
That, to Eutropius, all at length might bend? 
Cilicia and Judea, conquests viewed,— — 
Sophené, by the Latian force subdued, |... 930 
W here Pompey's glorious triumphs proudly beamed, 
Are, by the monster, reco mpenses deemed ! 
b 2 
* A slave was regarded by tbe civil law as one dead. 


14 


Wuy piles on piles of ,golden treasure heap? 
^ Wretéh !—will thy chabdrep all those riches reap? 
Go, wed or bed, whatever be thy aim, $35 
Thou ne'er shalt bear a sire or mother’s name! 
This, N ATURE's rigid laws at once deride ; 
And that, the steel has equally denied. 
Let India lay her jewels at thy feet ; 
Arabia bring thee alt her perfumes sweet ; 340 
Th’ ingenious Seres, from their distant shores, 
With num'rous fleeces, fill thy copious stores : 
Not one so poor, so much does need oppress, 
Who, for thy fortune, would those limbs possess ! 
Devorp of shame, to avarice resigned, 545 
He laws abused, and cheated humankind. 
An eunuch judge !—But, can. I wonder feel ?— 
The consul’s actions, prodigies, reveal ! 
What page details a Bar with females round ? 
Or age when eunuchs in the courts were found ? 350 
To ev'ry part his infamy expands ; 
W hat is there sacred for his greedy hands? 
To prodigy he prodigy enchains ; 
With folly, contest in his rage, maintains ; 
And presently his impudence would dare, — 353 
Oh profanation !—even arms to bear ! 
Mars blushed ;.—Dellona, scorn upon her face, 
Beheld the OnreNT sinking in disgrace. 
When this old Amazon the Gete spied, ! 
With bow in hand, and quiver well supplied, 360 
Of war and peace the arbiter avowed, 
BARBARIANS readily access allowed. | 
The enemy with joy this object hailed, 
And thought that men the realm already failed. 





49 


Flames spread; — walls fell ;—dread bavock filled the plain ; 


And hope found safety, solely on the mein. 
Beyond the Phasis, mothers in dismay, 
From Cappadocian domes, were dragged away; 


The captive flocks from homes were forced to go, 


And sip on Caucasus the flaky snow ; 
For Scythian forests, change the smiling fields 
And verdant pastures that Argus yields. 
Beyond Cimmerian fens and Taurus’ bound, 
The Syrian youth in servitude were found ; 
Unsated with the spoils, the savage horde 
Consigned each hated object to the sword. 

' HowEvzn he, (and can the blush arise 
Where base effeminacy meets the eyes ?— 
Or what can o'er those servile features spread 


The flush that, shame, attends,—the modest red 2 


Eutropius, with a conqu’ror’s lofty look, 

At length, the road conducting homeward, took; 
The infantry their floating flags displayed, 

And warriours, like their chief in arms arrayed, 
A crowd of eunuchs, legion. worthy thought, 
For Hellespontian banuers* to be sought. 

To meet him, num'rous flatt'rers went in haste ; 
The shield returned, they eagerly embraced ; 
Eutropius with himself was quite elate : 

His hollow cheeks he laboured to inflate ; 
Feigned, respirations, anxiously to stop ;. 

Dust overspread the vermin on his top ; 

From ardent sunny rays, his lips were pale; 
With broken tone, his voice appeared to fail ; 


370 


375 


386 


385 


590 


* Prrapos, the son of Bacchus and Venus. was worshipped chiefly 
at Lampsacus, near the Hellespont, whence he was called Hellespon. 


tiacus. 


14 
He seemed to struggle with the coming tear : 395 
Detailed his battles to a sister* dear; 
'To her expressed how vain his efforts proved 
To serve the state: that MArick round him moved ; 
That EN vv's poignant shafts he could not brave, - | 
And wished to plunge beneath the foaming wave. 400 

An! would the pow'rs above, who heard his prayers, 
Had granted that request, and eased his cares ! 

Tu1s said, he wiped false anguish from his eyes ; 

Each accent faltered, ’mid continual sighs. — 

So when the withered mother hastes to greet 405 
Her son’s fair partner, at his distant seat, 

Fatigued her limbs, she painfully respires, 
And wine, to cheer her feeble frame, desires. 

Oxp, sexless lump! what,—try the sword to wield ? 
Or Pallas seek amid the bloody field ? 410 
For other studies, with Minerva, rest: 

The loom, not lance, for thv employ, is best. 

Learn threads to weave; or wenches keep to work, 
Who, full of sloth, from labour wish to lurk ; 

Or snowy wool, around the shuttle, wind, .. 45 
That, for a mistress' fingers, is designed. 

If things held sacred fill thee with delight, 

Instead of Mars, have Cybelé in sight ; 

Let, in thy breast, CEL Nx fury reign, 

And listen to the noisy timbrels' strain. 490 
The tinkling cymbals thou around may'st bear ; 

With holy pine thy bloody bosom tear ; 

And what was spared by sanguinary steel, 

The Phrygian sharp-edged instrument, may feel. 


* Per uxorem suam, qua oum vivebat ut cum sorore. 


LU 

To perfect men resign the use of.arms; — . 425 
Why,—fill two palaces with dire alarms ? | 
And brothers, joined-by Nature's purest ties, — 
Spread flames around, that into hatred rise? 
Alas! mad wretch, 'twere better to pursue 
Thy former ways, und friendly scenes renew. 430 
For such exploits, Eutropius asked the YEaR* ; 
Thus gen’ral, judge, and consul, to appear: 
Not one, but all, he equally debased, 
And calends, camps, and courts.of law, disgraced. 

No crime so vile but former times have told, 435 
And num'rous ages, horrid seenes, unfold. 
His mother, CEdipus to wedlock led ; 
Thyestes took a daughter to his bed ; 
Jocasta's sons, the husband's brothers, proved ; 
Her boys' own sister, Pelopea moved ; 440 
Th’ Athenian stage, ‘mid deepest grief, displayed, 
The guilt of Thebes, and Troy in ashes laid. 
A bird, on plumy pinion, Tereus ranged ; 
To form of twining serpent, Cadmus changed ; 
Surprised was Scylla with her dogs unknown; 445 
Here, onet to earth a lofty tree has grown; 
Another]. there, on wing, his course pursued ; 
Tuisf flowed a river :—scales on THA T$ were viewed. 
But where's the clime, through all the realms of light, 
In which a sexless consul met the sight ? 450 
Or one devoid of manhood's sacred test, 
In judgment sat, or wore the martial vest? 


* The Consulship. ¢ Daphne. See Ov. Met. r. Fab. 10. 
\ 4 Cycnus. See Ov. Met. vis. Fab. 138. 
[ Proteus. See Vino. Geor. 1v. 441. 
$ Glaucus, See Ov. Met. xirx,. Fad. 10. 


16 


The sources, whence man’s highest honours spring, 
To eunuchs, ignominy solely, bring. 
The Socx or BusktrN never, subjects, showed, 455 
More worthy laughter or the grief bestowed. 
A pleasant scene! to view him robed im state, 
And tott'ring with the gown end girdle's wéight ; 
Deformity and age, arrayed in gold, 
Were only more conspicuous to behold. 460 
Tue monkey thus, the mime of humankind, 
When, playfully, some boy bes round him twined 
The precious labours of the Seres' care, ' 
And left, for ridicule, the buttocks bare, — 
Struts up and down :—his forehead proudly rears ;—3465 
And still more ugly from the dYess appears. - 
THE senate robed, perhaps a master* too, 
In pomp proceeds, polluted Ro»s in view! 
And e'en the lictor, (hear the wonder, EA&TR!) - 
Exceeds the consul in illustrious birth, 470 
W ho freedom, ftom his chair, confers around 
On beings, still with whom he should be found ; 
And, ‘mong the praises that he thinks his right, 
And claim to rank on Gronv's lofty height, 
Details Egyptian dreams, and tyrants' fall, 475 
Revealed by oracles that hear his call. 
Bellona, doubtless, victory suspends, . 
" While this Tiresias back his footsteps bends, 
This new Melampus creeps from distant Nile, 
Whom manhood looks at with contemptuous smile. 480 
Then birds were heard with inauspicious voice ; 
The Y EAR with horrour listened to the choice ; 


* One of those to whom Eutropius bad been a elave. 


7 47 


And Janus, from his double jaws, exctatthed, 
Against an eunuch in the calends nathed. 


Ir, spite of laws, those ancient Ro»s of state - 


Were, on a female consul, tó await, 


Still would th’ imperial realm feel Jess disgraced, — 


Than when, by one devoid of sex, debased. 
The Medes and Sabe, to a woman, bow ; 
And num'rous savage tribes, a queen, allow ; 
But where shail we the abject nation find, 
That, to & chief unmanned, tht throne resigned ? 
To Pallas, Phoebe, Vesta, ‘Ceres’ name, 
And Cybele, ascends the sacred flame : 
To Juno and Latona, worship’s paid, 
But. when, for eunuch-gods, were temples made? 
Did e'er their holy altars meet the eyes? 
From females, famous priestesses arise; 
With inspiration, Phoebus fires their breast ; 
And Delphi's oracles are thence expressed. 
Minerva, from the Trojan ruin gained, 
A vestal virgin served: the flante maintained. 
No sacred headbands ever twine arourid 
The brow profane, where eviration’s found. — 
The female race was formed to people earth, 
And, to a future progeny, give birth. 
Th’ emuscalated class are works of art, 
Designed alone to act the servile part. 
Alcides' darts, Hippolyte, o’ercame ; 
The Greeks, Penthesilea ! fled thy aim. 
The ‘lofty tow'rs of Carthage, we are told, 
And Babylon, magnificent of old, 
‘That round a hundred splendid gates displayed, 
By women had their proud foundations laid. 
V or. II. C 


493 


$00 


503 


510 


18 


* 


' What eunuclys noble action merits praise? 515 
Did these e'er battles win or cities raise? - 
In truth, the first from NATURE'S bounty flow ; 
The dast, to human hands, formation owe. 

Preruaps Semiramis, to find disguise 
That might, with art, deceive Assyrian eyes : 520 
"Mong men, deception better to provide, 
Sleek cheeks conceal, and feeble accents hide, 
First introduced, with features like her own, 
This half-formed, sexless class, ‘till then unknown; 
: Or Parthian luxury, with cruel hand, 595 
Unwilling, down should o'er the chin expand, 
Preserved, by skill, the youthful blooming face, 
Voluptuous scenes, in spite of years, to grace. 

Ar first the news, devoid of truth, was held, 
Or idle jest that playful fiction swelled ; 530 
A gen'ral rumour through the cities flew, 
Which bursts of laughter from the people drew, 
As if a swan, with pinions black, were named, 
Or raven’s plumage, white, had been proclaimed. 

_“ SHALL we," cried one for gravity renowned, 535 
** Believe such tales of prodigies around ?— 
** That now the tortoise, through air’s regions, flies ; 
* Upon the vulture’s head fierce horns arise ; 
* The streams turn back the mountains’ top to gain; 
** Carmanians see the sun, from WrsTERN main, 540 
* Break forth at morn and in the OnrxNT set: 
« Rich harvests, on the liquid plain, are met; 
* The dolphin, wand'ring through. wide forests, view ; 
* Men, with the crawling snails, their course pursue ; 
- * And all that Forty to the sense portrays, 545 
And India, on rich tapestr y, displays >” - 


19 


"- 9 


ANOTHER, fond of irony and jest, - 
Beplied : :—‘* Pray! why should wonder be expressed? 
* Is augbt so vast, Eutropius cannot find | 
* Depicted to his comprehensive mind ? 550 
* For something new and great he always tries: — : 
* Scheme after scheme, his fruitful head supplies. 

“ He nothing dreads, but watches day and night, 
* Soon moved : his punishments are ever light ; 


* Most mild his rage ;—deny, lie never cap; 555 
‘* To meet the anxious wish; appears hisplan;:- . - 4 
* His mighty genius, obstacles, removes ; eU 
* - And ev'ry act, for our advantage, provés. . "^, — -! 
* Express desire ;—the boon his hand bestows ; 

** For gen’ral happiness bis bosom glows; — ; ~° 460 


* And pleased he feels, attending to the call, 

** To give his pow'r extent, or make ij fall. j std 

* His steps havetaken wisdom for their guide ; at 

** And, just rewestl, the consul's robes pr ovide.” 
Howr’ss, the voice of truth proclaimed the crime, 565 

To all the world, that stained the OarEenT clime; 

The eats of Rome received at length the sound ;-— 

* What!” she replied,—‘“ Eutropius worthy found 

** To raise the flame of anger in our breast ?— 

** His actions cause such grief to be expressed ;"— 570 
Tuts having said, the pow'rful goddess. bore, 

' Her rapid course, beyond the Po's famed shore; - ' 

Through airy regions, t'wards the camp, she flew, 

Where soon th’ imperial ruler met her view, 

F{onorius then, with Stilicho, was seen, 575 

And Germans near, who asked, with humble mien, 

For peace, which he, with bounteous heart, bestowed ; — 

Caiici, laws :—Suévi, bounds, he showed. 


C 2 





20 


Here thrones were by the prince, to some, assignat; 
There hostages appeared the leagues to bind ; 588 
And others were permitted arsos to hear : 
The shorn Sicambriaus our renown to share. 
Rome felt with pride. the glow of fond delight, 
When she beheld. this cherished chief m sight; 
The tender tears of eager joy she shed, E 485 
And pleasure's. purest beams, around ber, spread; 

So when the youthful bull grows strong and high, 
And meets the mother's $pod, attentive eye, 
The parent's horns erect, ber joy, display, | 
In him the herd's protector to survey. — . 3590 
"Tis thus the lioness.observes, with. pride, 
Her offspring, 'mid Massyla's deserta wide, 
Increase in strength, and spread bis terrours round, 
The sov'reign of the beasts: that range the ground. 

Tr’ Enciacytne cloud, the Roman goddess brake, 595 
And, to the royal youth, these words she spoke: — 

* O Prince! success, in distant coustries, shows, 
* How much, to thee, my pow'rfol sceptté owes :: . 
tt The Saxons are subdued ;—the seas mara sure ;— 
* And Britam, from the. Picts, is now secure, . We 
Still, at my ‘feet, the Fnanks reduced. are seen ;— 
« Suévi ead ;—1be Rhine with humble mien, . - 
« © our Germanicus !.—the titles thine; 
. « But—-what?--Alas! tbe Onrxx realas incline, 
© Those actions, te regard, with jealous. eyes; 605 
€ And crimes, ity Phosbus' other querters, rise, 
« Which Drscorpn, anxious to confuse the warld, - 
« With alt her«might, through ev'ry pert, hes hurled. 
« Of Gildo's perfily I'll nought relate, 


^ « Nor Moors relied on by the EAsTERN state: — 61Q 





21 


* These deyacwben ghostly Fa wens séaved her bead, ° 
* And terrours, for the eity’s safety, spread 1. m 
“ Thy early wisdom, or the prescient mind ii. 7 ^ 
“ Of him, thy hire, by klymen'alaws, assigned, © | 7 
* From NoyrAaBBN climes obtained the anuualstorp:613 
* Supplies denied upon tbe SoumuEgN shore — | 

* Ships, from the Rhone-end Arx, harvesta, brought 

* To 'Fiber's moutb, en Cinyps vainly squgbt. u 

* For me the Gerneax ploughsbare' turned the soil, : .' 

* And Pyrensean beeves supported toil ; - 620 
* My copious granaries, qerprised, beheld, . dtm 
* How much, their stores, Jheria s produga awelled ;- 


*t Content the people with, Fraasalpine gra, 4.’ 


* No longer Libyes.rebele gave them pain, 5,0 7 
* The guilty wretch, so well deserving death, -.,, 423 
* At Tabraca,* was known to yield bisbreath; <° ° 
* And whosoe'er, thy. pow’ rfl, armos, shall. deiie,: 


" May he, thedizeful fata of traitors, share! ; 
* Another monster, sge, fram these seme clus, . 
**. Kutropius, consul, qveysppead with crimea! . — 639 


* Far less the. terrours, that he sce&ters rend; |” 
* But more disgrageíul.sbame id with him found. - 

** Too long within ois irealms, it is eopfpesed, 

* Have we, these semirmen, allowed. to reat, | 

“. Since pomp Arsgeian.in the palace fixed, ^ — 635 
‘© And baseness, with,our manners, Parthia mixed. 

** But, hitherto, tbe eappeb’s only care, | 

** Appeared.confined fa guarding jewels rane: 

« ‘The dust frqm prefacte: costly robes to sweep ; 

e. And, o'er SLERPs sacred, mansions, silence, keep. ( 640 


* Ii 1s probati the modern Tunis. 


1 
t 


* Beyond the bed-room's bounds, their.deeds of atus 


** Were ne'er expected to extend alarms. 

** Not tried integrity, the trust, assured, 

* But impotency best, their faith, secured. 

- * Let them oer secret haunts retain an eye, 

** The precious gem and robe of Tyrian dye; 

* But ne'er presume to lay their feeble hands, 

* Upon the rein that, empire's course, commands! 
** 'The lofty pow'rs, that o'er the state preside, 

** Can in effeminacy ne'er confide. 

* What human being, on the liquid plain, 

* E'er saw an eunuch's arm the helm sustain? 

* Are we, indeed, so easily disgraced ?— 

** 'The world's great ship so thoroughly debased ? 
* Such may, beneath Aurora's beams, have sway, 
* Where, women's sceptres, cities pleased obey ; 
*€ But shall th’ Italian warriour, these, allow, 

“ To set disgraceful stains upon his brow ? 

* And, with the people's rigid virtues, mix 

* The odious acts that, ignominy, fix ? 

* Let horrid crimes be far from Latium chased, 
* Nor hither, o'er the Alps, again be traced ; 

* But, in the soil alone where first they rose, 

* Let them be suffered always to repose. 

“ The Halys may inscribe the hideous name, 

* And equally th’ Orontes, lost to shame ; 

* But, by thy glory, Rosrz, and triumphs great, 
** Let such foul stains on T1BER ne'er await, 
* That gave, unasked, the consulship, of old, 
“ To rigid Fasrs and Dentatt bold! 

** Shall Mars, within his consecrated field, 

* The suffrages, to grace an eunuch, yield? 


650 


655 


660 


665 


670 


Pd 


a3 , 


** Eutropius be; among th’ ZEM1x11, raised, 

* And famed CALI, for their virtues praised? 

‘{ Thy pow’, O Brutus, have Narcissi* gained ?-—675 
* Or now Curysoconi* the Rops obtained? 

* For this hest.theu, parental feelings, rent, 

* Thy sons, to suffer death with rigour, sent, 

“ Preferring duty that the laws require, 


. *$ 'Fo all the tender fondness of a sire? 630 


| : * Did, vainly, thea in arms Etruria place 


^ Her camp upon Janiculum's high space, 

* ;And T1zEr solely, from my ramparts, make 

« Porsenna keep, who sought the town to take? 

* Djid Cocles, on the bridge, thus merit fame, 685 * 
* Or Mutius, when he dared the ardent flame? 

* Did uselesaly the chaste Lucretia dart 

** The fatal dagger boldly to her heart? 

* And Clolia, from the banks, that Tiber laves, 

« Swim unavailingly th’ astonish'd waves? 690 
* What !—were the Rops, from haughty Tarquins torn, 
* Preserved, before Eutropius to be borne? 

* Oft hither back, Avernus, let repair ^ 

* W/hoe'er-has sat within my curule chair, 

‘© And, such companion, with disdain beholds, 695 
* As now, the highest dignities, controls! 

* O.:gen'rous Decii! from your tombs, return; 

« Torquatii rigid, burst the sacred urn! 

* Fabricii stern, who poverty revered, 

* Shades that to. justice stedfastly adhered ; 700 
* And thou, Serranus, who, perhaps, the plough, 

‘© Through fallews in Elysium, guidest now: 


* Slaves made free. 


t 


44 
* Ye Scipios velint, and’ Luctatins great, - 
« Who ovenpow red the Carthaghtian state ; 
** Marcdilus fierce, who Sicily o’ercausd ; (05 
* O Claudian race !—O Cuni! dear to fame; 
** And thou, O Cato! who wouldst never bend 
* To Cesar yoke :—Eutropius now, attend ! 
* Immortal swarms of Brutus’, haste to light; 
‘{ @orvini cherished, quit the realms of night; 710 
‘* Your robes of highest rev'rence, eanuchs wear : 
** Ambiguous males, the Roman honours, bear, 
“ Assume ‘the dress thet terrified, of old, 
* Audacious Hannibal and Pyrrhue beld. 
** 'The modest fan is looked at with disdein ; 15° 
** The consul’s gown they proudly seek to gain ; 
* No more appears th’ umbrella in their bands, 
* Young damesto shade, obedient to commands : 
* The Larsaw Axes are their fond desire, 
** And, these to wield, they ardently aspire. 720 
‘© From thoee recesses, subject to your care, 
* Apartments -sacred to the beaateous fair, 
* Go, hapless troop, that both the sexes shen : 
* For Paphian bliss, by cruel means, undone; 
*^ Two periods solely in yourlives are &een:—' — 795 
** The age of infancy, —and wrmkled mien. 
* Haste, upstarts! make the senate-seats your own : 
* New chiefs !—to worth and noble birth unknowa, 
* Around your hero, range with fond delight, 
*& And let a steril court engage his sight. | 790 
* "From watching o'er the Hymeneal bed, 
“ To Themis’ temple let your steps be led; 
** The scene now changed, an ear to justice lend, 
* No longer destined, matrons, to attend. 


4 M 
“Fs gee 


“ ^ Say, how antiquity | ‘has been debased — 2 
“ And ages that a single cr ime disgraced ? 
* In calends, joined | with Arinthzeus' fame, 
4* Will be Eutropius’ execrable name: 740 
" The splendid. honours that t the lord shall bear, 
* The slave. beside him equally will wear! | 
" Alas! what: ‘dire offences oer the world, 
“ Have Ptolemy C degraded vassals hurled ! 
* Another base PothinusT now appears, 745 
a Extending, far and vide, terrifick fears. 
“ From this fell monster greater are my woes; 
^ "Than, by his prototype; tc to Egypt, roe. 
“ He, with Peliean Sword, ope. ‘consul slew; | 
** But this, to all, extends his bloody | view. 759 
“ If private int'rests nothing can effect, 
« Yet thou, with honours like the princes decked; 
* Support our cause: the royal pow'r defend ;— 
" And ills avext that o'er the realm impend. | 
* To this superior magistrate alone; , ^—759 
* The palace logks to guard t th’ imperial throne ; 
Alternately the honour takes its round : 
* Now with tbe senate, now the court, tis found. 
** O consul four-fold raised !—from horrid crime, 
** Protect ne Rove the apnual course of True! 760 . 
** Secure the Rons, I pray, from dire disgrace | " 
«« Preserve the page where; heroes names, we trace ;— , 
* My robes, that ALL sybmissively beheld, 
* ‘Where’er the Ocean's billows pre impelled, 

D 


VoL: Il. . . 
9 King of Egypt. 
t The assassin of Pompey the Great, 


| 96 


** O save from sinking in the gloomy shades, ^ ^ 765 

** That contümely eternally pervades ! 

* For how, successful wars, can we expect, ' 

* While impotence, our armies, shall direct? 

* What progehy, from wedlock, can arise? | 

' What harvests yield the requisite supplies ? 770 

* What lands, beneath a steril consul's sway, 

** Shall fertile prove, or, fulness, fruits display? . 

.. * Tf eunuchs oer the state and laws preside, - 

** Let men the twining thread on distaffs guide, — | 
* And, Nature’s order in confusion throw 0, 775 

* The Amazonian yoke, submissly own! : 

** But why say more?—O Stilicho! can shame 

* Retain thy conqu'ring arms from deeds of fame? 

** Thou surely know'st, that victors most delight 

** In triumphs o'er the base, who fallin fight. ^ 780 

* Against fierce pirates, Pompey, wreaths, obtained ; 

* And, slaves subduing, Crassus, laurels, gained. 

** Thou yieldest to my prayers :—those shouts prevail, 

* That, térróurs, spread which made the Easr turn pale : 

** The roar of war, that echoed far around, 785 

* When Gildo and the Moors, destruction, found. 

* Why martial standards anxiously desire? 

** Such contests, neither dart nor lance, require : 

* 'The conscious back will readily incline, 

** And at the sound alone of whips resign. - 790 
“ Tus Scythian armies* who, dread wars, maintained, 

«^ And, lorig from. home, in distant climes, remained, 

« Their frontiers seeking, met a youthful band, 

** That oft received correction from their hand, 


* Sce Jusrin, Li. 11. cap. 5. 


27 


** Who, from the bosom of their native soil, 795 
* Desired to drive the troops inured to toil : 

** Th’ ignoble crowd, when scourges waved in sight, 

* Felt former fears return and took to flight ; 

** The sword fell motionless: the blood was chilled : 

* And all, with terrours of the lash, were filled.” 800 


INVECTIVES 
abather 


EUTROPIVS. 
BOOK II. 


PREFACE 


THIS great Patrician who, with haughty pride, 
‘Was lately seen, th’ imperial reins, to guide, 
The whip, with trembling terrour, views once more, 
That oft, in fornser duys, his shoulders bore. 
The fetters ready ;—he 'bewails his fate, 5 
‘The masters’ triumph, and his falten state ; 
With freaks of madness, Forrune sated stands: 
The slave, from grandeur thrust, obeys commands. 
Now, with anothér Axx, rough wood he cleaves, 
And, Rors his own, the monster’s back receives. 10 
The consul feels, ‘ih turn, the poignant wo, 
That, when in office, lie made others know; 
One year belield ‘him, ’mid high honours, placed, 
And then an exile ‘thoroughly dispraced ; 
The omens dire, that menaced ‘nations round, 15 
Upon their hideous ‘wuthor's head rebound ; 


=, 


30 


And elevation, monstrous to the view, 
Down on the first example, vengeance, drew. 
The name erased, again the calends smile ; 
And forth the palace drives whate’er is vile. 20 
His base accomplices concealed their pain, 
And sought a place of safety to obtain ; 
Their leader's fall brought ruin on the rest : 
Not slain in arms, nor, by besiegers, pressed ; 
Such wretches ne'er should yield their breath like men : 25 
For them enough the dictates of the pen. 
From female domes, the feeble tyrant, chased, 
His lofty pow'r was lost: himself debased. 
So when the beauteous fair, in grief, perceives, 
Her youthful charms, the wav'ring husband leaves, — 30 
And, to his former mistress, fondly takes, 
'The house of sadness she, with sighs, forsakes. 
His hoary locks with dust he overspread ; 
Deep wrinkles held the floods of tears he shed ; 
Before the altars, low, on bending knees, 35 
His trembling voice sought matrons to appease. 
In numbers, masters flocked this slave to gain, 
For nothing fit but instruments of pain. 
Howe'er deformed in face, and worse in mind, 
Resentment prizes backs for whips designed. 40 
Wretch! whither wilt thou go?— what region try ?— 
Here hatred waits thee :—there no friendly eye; — — 
Alike both stars of empire thee detest : 
For ever shut the gates in East and Wesr ! 
"Tis strange that thou, who, others’ future fate, — 45 
Wast wont so oft, with confidence, to state, 
Shouldst have, on destiny that o’er thee hung, 
( A Sibyl mute resembling,) held thy tongue. 


31 


From Nile deceitful, now. no dreams arise, 
Nor augurs for thee watch with eager eyes. 50 
AND will thy sister, boldly o’er the DxE», 
Proceed, and, always faithful, with thee keep ? 
Perhaps an eunuch poor she won't befriend; 
‘And now, by:thee enriched, her love may end. 
Tuoucn thou confessest that an eunuch's throat, 55 
Thy hand the first with bloody weapon smote; 
Yet still the fell example, thou hast shown, 
Shall not be made recoil on life thy own. 
No :—live the shame of FATE —4A monster viewed, 
Who, num'rous towns with terrours dire, pursued! — 60 
A wretch, to whom the nations widely spread, | 
With trembling, bowed, beneath the yoke, their head ! 
Why floods of tears, on pluader lost, bestow, 
Since, toa royal son, thy treasures go? — c | 
To wealth confiscated thou ow'st alone | 635 
The name of sire to him upon the throne. IE 
Wzazrcs8 ! why dost Heav’n, with timid prayers, implore, 


Since ease awaits thee on the Cyprus shore? . 
By thee, among BARBARIANS, flame was fanned ; 
Believe the ocean more secure than land; , 70 


The bow and spear thou'lt now no more display, 

To fill Armenian bosoms with dismay ; 

Nor, proudly mounted, skim along the ground, 

That trembles with the courser's rapid bound. 
Byzantium's senate seeks thy voice again : 75 
The court desires thy counsel to obtain ! 

The robe of office from thy shoulders throw ; 

No more the quiver, filled with arrows, show; 

To Venus' banners hasten to repair, 

" And, former rule and servile functions, bear! 80 


32 


The hand accustomed, pleasures, to provide, - 
Is little formed the force of Mars to guide. 
Blithe Cytherea will with transport view 

Her slave returned, his calling to puraye, 
Delightful choirs reside within the isle, 

The cradle of the Lovzs that sweetly smile. 
There modest fears, no praises, ever sbgre ; 

On rocky summits stand the Paphian Farr, 
Who, watchful eyes upon the billows, keep, 

To see the vessel safely plough the Dx». 

But Tm afraid, thee, Tritons may retain, 

Thy arts to use with Nereids on the main ; 

Or winds, that letely hindered Gildo’s flight, 
To sink thee ip the waves, may feel delight. 
To Tabraca,.a captive Moor gave fame : 

May Cyprus, from thy shipwreck, get tbe same! 
In vain; the Dolphin, shall thy voice implore : | 
Tis only MEN be deigns to belp on shore. 

. In such designs should eupuch eer engage: 
Let him on Cyprus look, and curb bis rage. 





BOOK IT. 


O PunvcrAN ashes! wreck of Onrent realm! 


That still disasters seem to overwhelm, 

Alas! too true the auguries appear, j 

That, with misfortunes dire, announced the year. 

The prudent pilot sees when storms prevail, 

And, trom iinpending dangers, guards the sail. 

But what avails confessing errors passed, 

When, in the deep abyss, the ship is cast? 

Will copious floods of tears the fault repair? 

The omen just, your consul's acts declare : 

His hideous crimes have widely spread dismay, 

And, firm resolves, the Destinres display. | 

Had early been those threat'ping clouds perceived, 

You ne'er, at recent stains of guilt, had grieved ! 
WHEN time has, dread disease in bodies, fixed, 

In vain Peonian remedies are mixed ; 

The ulcer, deep, within the merrow grown, 

Submits to dextrous knife, or fire, alone j 

The wound is closed, unless with careful hand, 

Again to ope and wider still expand. 


Through ev'ry part the lames extend their course : 


From all the veins, the noxious humours, forge, 
Vor. IL. E 


10 


20 


34 


In which no longer blood contagious flows ; 
And dry the source whence morbid ills arose. 
The limbs lopped off, in safety leave the rest, 25 
To be, with perfect health in future, blessed. 

But think you purged the palace from disgrace, 

1f, for Eutropius, Cyprus find a place? 
And that the universe shall feel content, 

Since this half-man is into exile sent? .. 30 
T'efface those crimes, what seas supply the wave? 

The horrid spots, what length of time shall lave? 

No sooner he, in consul-robes, was dressed, 

'Than murmurs loud the vaulted skies expressed ; 

Th’ infernal caverns shook with hollow sound ; 32 
The lofty mountains’ summits rocked around ; 

Beneath Chalcedon, earth, dread trembling, showed ; 
And, t'wards both towns with rage, the Bosph’rous flowed ; 
Along the narrow strait, the double shore, 

Against each other, by the unpulse bore ; 40 
The high Symplegades again were moved, 

And, to the seaman, frightful objects proved. 

The Stygian sisters thus the signs prepared, 

That, to the state misfortunes dire, declared : 

The warmest joys within their bosoms reigned, 45 
Since, by the consul, nations would be gained. 

. Ar length innumerable pests were viewed : 

Here limping Vulcan, flames destructive, strewed ; 
There Nereus’ waters have, the banks, o'errun ; 

These houses burn :—by floods are zhose undone. 50 
O gods! what pains have you the wretch assigned, 
Whose omens brought such evils on mankind ? 
Sink, Neptune, with thy trident, in the DEEP, 
The guilty soil: away those horrours sweep ! 


35 


May one great city, to extinction hurled, 
Froin vengeful Furies’ rage preserve the world ! 

Now dreadful prodigies around appear! 
In presages most fruitful seems the year :— 
The bloody rain ;—the child with monstrous mien, 
Unlike the parent ev'ry feature seen ;— 
In tears the stones ;—the herds with human voice ;— 
The savage beasts, of cities walled, make choice ; 
The augurs, void of rule, are borne away, 
Inflamed by Phoebus’ stimulating ray. 
Admit, no words divine these signs impatt, 
Yét, who shail find such torpor in his heart, 
That, when an eunuch-consul meets the eyes, 
He doubts the ills portentous that arise? 

Bur what blind fury we, in crimes, display! — 
For future prospects, contumely, betray ; 
If but the present hour, some pleasures, show, - 
All seems secure, o'er ev'ry-bound we go; 
Delay of punishment appears a gain, 
And, lost, are menaces of distant pain. ! 
Against these prodigies which round are met, , . 
Not e'en Camillás should my suffrage get; ^ . 
Without regarding sex, I would have placed 
The Rops with onc by slavery debased, 
To whom, in spite of omens through the sky, 
And flatt'ring indications from on high, 
That, prosp'rous fortune, should aloud proclaim, 
A Max could ne'r resign, devoid of shame. 
Search annals past, the register of crimes; 
Look through the calends :—page of former times ! 
The bow'rs of Caprez, with wretch grown old, 
Or Nero's scenes, —did ever, such, unfold? 

, oO 


55 


63 


Yi 


| 80 





36 . 


‘The robes of Romulus an eunuch wéars ; 
Within the palace sits :—its honours shares. 
The senators and mob together stand : 
The modest gen'ràl: man of high command; 90 
All humbly bend ; to touch his hand, desire; — 
And, to salute his hideous cheek, aspire. : 
* The princes father,"* and “ support of laws,” 
Their tongues pronounce with marks of high applause ; 
And this respected sire, a slave Jong known, 95 
Js worthy reckoned to approach the throne! 

WILLE you the fact believe, O future race, 
. ‘That monuments are raised to such disgrace ! 
And metals groan, on num'rous anyils, now, 
Designed fell crimes with boldness to avow ? 100 
Here, robed as judge :—there, elothed in civick gown ; 
Or armed like valiant chief of high renown ; 
Or knight ;—on ev'ry side, in various ways, 
The senate, statues to an eunuch, raise! 
As if afraid pure VirtveE should obtain, ' 105 
A single spot, in quiet to remain, I 
Through ey'ry quarter they, with labour, try, 
To let this odious figure meet the eye. 
May these degrading i images be left, 
To latest time, the sigus of shame bereft ! t 110 
Deneath, engraved, is adulation read, 
And fulsome praises are profusely spread. 
What !— boast high birth while still his masters live?— 
Him warriour's praise, in soldiers’ hearing, give ? 
In spite of Constantine and Bysas’ wall, 113 
This wretch, the city's third great founderf, call? 

* Patricians were called fathers of the prince. 


+ Romulus the first, Camillus the second, and Eutropius the thitd, 
& pleasant comparison! 





37 


Puffed up with pride, the monster, through the night, 
Extends excesses to the morning light ; 
Amid the fumes of wine is reeking found ; 
Procures applause from greedy mob around, 120 
With plundered gold ; and, during tedious day, 
In scenes theatrick, whiles his hours away. 
Bur then his sister,—can belief be gained ? 
As wife, in feasts, the matrons, entertained, 
And, with the modest manners of a spouse, 125 
To gods, conveyed her eunuch husband's vows. 
To her, for consultations deep, he goes ; 
On peace or war, he fond attention shows ; o, 
To her commits the palace and his care, | 
As if a stable or a mansion bare. 130 
Is empire's rule so easy to support, 
That realus submissive thus are made a sport? 
Tur frost more mild, now gentle Zepayrs cheered ; 
At length the flow’rs, with bursting buds, appeared ; 
A journey, full of pomp, while peace was viewed, — 135 
The court, Ancyra, to thy walls, pursued. 
Eutropius all arranged, sea-toils to shun, 
And move at pleasure during summer's sun; 
The splendid train returned, as if they'd brought 
The Medes in chains, or Indus’ waves had sought. 140 
From tawny Gelons then, the god of war, 
To Thrace, was moving in his bloody car; 
Pangeea’s sod the rolling wheels received, 
And snows, beneath the sounding axle, grieved. 
At length arrived upon Mount Hemus’ top, 145 
Mars shortened rein, his rapid tourse to stop, 
And saw the dress, that heroes oft have borne, 
By one devoid of manhood, proudly worn. 


/ 





38 

A cruel smile, displayed the martial god; —— 
His helmet shook: the tufts began to nod ; 150 
Th’ inexorable goddess, he addressed, 
Bellona, rage for ever in her breast, 
Whose robe, with horrid stains of gore, appeared, 
While blood Illyrican, her serpents, cheered. 

* STILL EASTERN softness, sister, we behold! 155 
" Can we the rising race no better mould? 
* Will ages, once corrupted, thus remain, 
* And ne’er, their former strength and firmness, gain ? 

*^ Argzus fumes with Cappadocian heaps ; 
* Orontes stilla frightful paleness keeps ; 160 
** But these, dishonour, only recollect, 
* While DEATH is seen dread terrours to direct. 
** If they, tranquillity a moment, find, 
** The havock dire escapes at once their mind; 
** The floods of blood, with which their country streamed, 
*" Are, in remembrance, trifling losses, deemed. 
* What seest thou, sister?— something truly base, 
* That, with thy hair, thou e'en wouldst hide thy face ! 
'* What crimes, a short inaction oft supplies ! 
* How many ills, from idleness, arise ! 170 
“ The year that, no heroick acts, sustains, 
* Unto an eunuch’s hands, intrusts the reins ! 
* 1f, o'er Hesperia, he had equal sway, 
* The consul-robes no more would, pow’r, display ; 
* Antiquity, despised, must be undone : 175 
** The vestiges of glory, overrun, 
— '* Unless, the empire, Stilicho, befriend, 
* And, rigid morals, 'gainst abuse, defend, 
** The Tiber, guard, and save the Roman realm, 
* From crimes that threaten all to overwhelm. 180 


39 


** To Latian majesty a port he gave, 

* That shall, high pow'r and injured AxEs, save; 

** And calends, where the age may find relief, 

** While servile stains, the Oni, fill with grief. | 
** What semblances of man, this palace, tread ! 185 
** Direct thy sight along where ramparts spread ; 

** Do they, with terrour, silent groans, conceal ? 

** Does horraur, through their feeling bosoms, steal? , 

* Hear, from the senate, how applause expands :* 
« Byzantine.chiefs’ and Grecian-Romans’ hands! 190 
** () people !—worthy senators like these ! 

<< And fathers—such a consul, fit to please! 

<¢ Though arms they bear, inaction still is found ; 

* Among the num'rous swords that glare around, 

** Within the breast no flames appear to glow, 195 
<¢ Which, in their rage, the signs of manhood, show. 

** Will our descendants ne'er these robes obtain? 

** Contemned, sball Brutus' dignity remain ? 

<< O pardon, Romulus, thy sire, if Jate 

** | come t'avenge thy Rons’ degraded state. —— 900 
** Now, now I'll eagerly my pow'r employ, 

‘© To make repay, with tears, the scenes of joy. 

** Bellona, why so long dost thou delay, 

** With trump infernal, terrours to convey ? 


* On these lines a celebrated historian has the following note : 


** Claudian turns the consulship of the eunuch Eutropius into a 
** national reflection (I. ii. 135.) 


— Plaudentem cerne senatum 
Et Byzantinos proceres, Graiosque Quirites: 
O patribus plebes, O digni consule patres. 





* [t is curious to observe the first symptoms of jealousy and 
** schism, between old and new Rome, between the Greeks and Latins." 
GipBoN's Rome, vol. 5. page 161. (8vo. ed.) 





40 


* Why let thy sithe of war inaction know, 205 
** Intended, down the human race, to mow? 
* Tumultuous discords scatter far and near: 
* No more let pleasures venture to appear, 
** Too long have Thrace and Macedonia viewed, 
** Their open plains with desolation strewed ; 210 
* And, most reluetantly, again I'm led 
* To fight against the mansions of the dead. 
* Disasters common, no delight, impert : 
. * Beyond the seas, destructive torches, dart. . 
* At first, to ravage others' conquest, bend : $15 
** The foe, from high Rhiphasus, won't descend ; 
* Nor, through Caucasian valleys, should begin 
. “ The ragmg storm of arms’ terrifick dm. 
** The Ostrogoths and fierce Gruthungi, mixed, 
* Have, in the Phrygian fields, their quarters, fixed. 320 
** Their breasts, for crime, from slender causes, burn : 
* With ease BARBARIANS to their ways return! 
* Thus let it be, since in the force around, 
* No strength is seen : no resolution found ; 
* And, to a master's yoke, they bend the head, 295 
* O’er whom effeminacy's mien is spread. 
* Let those, who birth from NoRTHERN regions, draw, 
^ Beneath the Bear, avenge the injured law; 
* And arms BAnBARIAN Snatch the Roman name, 
“ From dire disgrace and ignominious shame." ^ $230 
Tuts said :—like that great sov'reign's shield on high, 
Which clangs when angry clouds against it fly, 
Aloud his buckler thundered far and wide : 
The sounds, o'er Athos, rang from side to side ; 
The crackling crash, on Haemus’ summits, bore ; 935 
And Rhodopé reechoed back the roar ; 





41 


The Hebrus, woud'ring, rose with frozen top ; 
And icy fear, pale Ister, seemed to step. 
A heavy spear, with knots of horrid view 
And adamantine point, thea from him flew ; 240 
The weapon huge, to wield with pow'rful hands, 
No other god, the force required, commands. 
Across the clouds a passage wide was rent : 
The spear, through air, o'er seas and mountains, went ; 
Its rapid flight, continued to maintain, 245 
And dropped at length amid the Phrygian plain. 
Earth felt concussion; fruitful Hermus' wave, 
With Nysa's vines o'erhung, loud murmurs, gave; 
Pactolus tregsbled in his golden bed, 
And Dindymus, in tears, inclined the head. 250 
Bellona followed, with an equal pace, 
The lance's hasty range, through ether's space, 
A hundred projects turning in ber mind, 
For hayock dread and slaughters dire, designed ; 
At length she, fierce Targibilus, addressed, $55 
The chief who, pow'r o'er Getic troops, possessed. 

Hx then, perhaps, had just, Eutropius, left : 
No precious gifts received,—of hope bereft; 
Grief in his heart, and indigence besides, 
Which oft, to crime, e'en youth of feeling, guides, — 260 
The savage Scythian's bosom filled with ire, 
And kindled into flame the latent fire. 
Before his eyes the goddess now was seen, 
His wife in gait, in air, and haugbty mien ; 
A veil was, o'er her countenance, disposed : 965 
A clasp, before, her robe’s arrangement, closed ; 
Her hair, compressed, a band encompassed round, 
And, flaxen tresses were, her serpents, found. 

Vor. II. 


42 


At sight, to hig embrace, she quickly flew ; 

Her snowy arms about him fondly threw ; 270 

The Furies’ poison pressed upon his lip, 

Which he inhaled with eager, wistful sip. 

She, artfully intent his rage to raise, 

Asked what the prince, so liberal of praise, 

Had, for his just reward and merit, sought? $75 

What riches, from the palace, he had brought? 

Targibilus, his journey, much bewailed, 

The labour vain, since ev'ry effort failed ; 

But most the eunuch's arrogant disdain, 

And contumely, his bosom filled with pain. 280 
BELLoN4«’s nails, her face that instant, rent ; 

Forth bursting sighs, the throbbing bosom sent : 

* Go,” she exclaimed, ** conduct the plough with toil, 

* The coulter guide to tear the stubborn soil; | 

* Away with swords !—instruct thy warriours now 285 

* The rake to use, while drops run o'er their brow. 

* Gruthungi can the tillage manage well, 

* And, in the produce of the vine, excel. 

** O happy females, who such husbands own; 

** ‘The spoils of cities at your feet are thrown : 290 

* The Fair of Argos bend beneath your sway ; 

** Thessalian matrons, your commands, obey ; 

«* So high the merit which pervades your mind, 

* That Spartan dames, to serve you, are consigned ! 

* Me, Fare has linked to one depressed by fears, 295 

* In whom remissness constantly appears, 

'* Who, all degenerate and worthless grown, 

* Forsakes the manners on the Ister known, 

* Deserts the customs of his native land, 

** Unable feels vain justice to withstand, $00 











43 


* And, rather as a husbandman, would move, - 
** Than, lord of spoils and noble conquests, prove. 
* Why dost thou, vice, conceal, with studied phrase :— 
* Call sloth, integrity :—fear, upright ways? 
** Wilt thou submit to poverty's alarins, 305 
* While in thy hands are such destructive arms ? 
* And, unrevenged, dost thou in tears remain, 
** When cities, left defenceless, thou may'st gain ? 
* Does dread of punishment, obstructions, raise ? 
* A diffrent rule prevailed in former days: 310 
* 'The Romans, merit, with high rev'rence viewed, 
* And, rebels, unrelentingly pursued. 
* But now, who treaties break in wealth abound, 
** While he, that faithful proves, is needy found. 
** The chief who, 'mong the Greeks, such havock, made, 
* And, lately in the dust, Epirus, laid, 
* Fierce Alaric, Illyricum, commands, 
** Those cities rules, that dreaded once his bands, 
* Gives laws to men, whose nuptial peace, he broke, 
* And, on their babes, inflicted Deatu’s fell stroke. 320 
* Such are the punishments the foe receives ! 
* And, as rewards, Rome, ruined cities, leaves! 
* Canst thou yet doubt and hesitation feel? 
* With num'rous force, do fears still o'er thee steal? 
* Go, peace renounce ; no longer quiet rest : 39 
* By war, thou'lt be, of comrades fresh, possessed. 
* I would not seek to animate thy rage, 
* Wert thou, with men, in battle to engage; 
* But now another sex, in arms, is brought, 
* And, realms to guard, are eunuchs able thought! 330 
* Rome' flags and eagles follow such as these!— 
* Resume-the actions that, BARBARIANS, please ;- 
F2 


Y 


+ 


44 


Let those feel wonder, and, thy prowess, dread, 
“ Who, thee, neglected when, by virtue, led. 
* With plunder loaded, and of spoils thy fill: 335 
* A Roman thou shalt then become at will." 
Tuis said, she suddenly a bird became, 
Disgusting to the sight, of hideous frame ; 
With crooked beak and tings as black as Styx, 
The omen, on a tomb, appeared to fix. $40 
No longer fears, Targtbilus, o'erspread : 
The hair, which stood, now ‘flattened on his head ; 
Bellona’s fierce commands he straight conveyed 
To comrades bold, and to their minds portrayed 
What he had seen : the measures she required: 345 
And, their support, most anxiously desired. 
When, firm their chief, the Yours BarBaRIAN knew, 
They openly, from Latian arms, withdrew. 
Wuere CuanLEs's WAIN is seen in Scythian skies, 
A part of Phrygia on Bithynia lies ; 350 
The side that borders ghere the sun descends; 
To reach the frontiers of Ionia tends; 
The quarter, near Aurora’s blushes, placed, 
Is, to the confines of Gallatia, traced : 
Both these obliquely touch on Lydia's bound ; 355 
Ard, on tbe SovTH, is fierce Pisidia found. 
In former days these nations were the same, 
And, in their union, bore the Phrygian name. 
But, what strange change will length of time not brmg? 
Name gave Mzonia, Meeones the king; 360 
To Greeks, /Egean ports were known to yield; 
The Thyni-Thracians plough Bithynia's field; : 
A num'rous army, from the Gallick earth, 
On OczaAw's distant coast, their place of birth, 


45 


Here fixed from wand’ring: down the javelin laid: .865 
The Grecian dress, with gentle air, displayed ; 

And, quitting waters that, Rhine’s borders, lave, 
Sipped, in their stead, the Halys’ flowing wave. - 

The first beginnings of the heman race, 

All ancient authors to the Phrygians trace’; . $70° 
Nor Egypt's king pretensions further pressed; B 
When, from the babe, e'en novice at the breast, | 
Was heard that language trembie on the voice, — ' = 
Spontaneous accents of the infant choice. ^ ' 
"T was there, in former days, were echoed round, | *rs 
Mellifluous notés, the fute’s delightful sound, 

Which in the Libyan stream Minerva threw, 

When frightfal shades reflected met her view. — 

And there the shepherd's* skin suspended swing, . 
Whose musiek yielded to Apollo's strings, sb 
Within the temple of Celsene shown, _ 

That future ages may, the triumph, own. . 
There flow four golden streams from fountains wide; —— 
Nor wonder I that, with the waters, glide |: . 2 
This precious ore, since, in the copious wave, : 885 
Was Midas often led his limbs to lave. 2 
Their course these rivers, divers.ways, maintain, 

To SouTH and Nona, the surgy. DEzzP, to gam. 
Sangarius' stream, from Dindymus, descends; 
Increase, the pure and glassy Gallus lends;  . 390 
Together joined, as one they onward speed, .. 

And, to the Amazonian main, proceed. 

Th’ [carian sea and Mycaké's high shore, 

Gain Marsyas and Meander’s blended .stove ; 


* Thesstyr Marsyas. See Ov. Met. v1, Fab. 7. 


46 


But, Marsyas, swift while by himself he moves,-~ 395 
Mixed with Meander, slow and winding proves : 
Unlike the Arar, which more nimble grows, | 
When, joined with rapid Rhone, the water flows. 
A sunny plain, between those rivers, lies, 
‘Which yields, to Ceres, liberal supplies; 400 
The grapes ih clusters om the vines are seen, 
And olives fruit display of pleasing green ; 
In noble coursers, rich the lands are found ; 
Large stores of cattle equally abound ; | 
. And precious marble that, in purple veins, ^ . 405 
O'er Synnas', e'en pre-eminence, maintains. - 

Sucu then was Phrygia when, by gods, resigned 
To Getic fire and slaughters dread combined. 
"Gainst towns. defenceless and without alarms, ! 
BanRBARIANS turned their unsuspected arms ; 410 
The citizen no hope of safety saw, . 
And thoughts of flight were lost through sudden awe ; 
From age and length of peace, the walls and tow'rs 
Had fallen on the ground, or wanted pow'rs. 

MEANWHILE, in distant Ida's snowy chine, 415 
Sat Cybelé, in usual state divine, e 
Beheld the chorus of Curetes round, 
And stirred their eager swords to drums' loud sound : 
When suddenly the tow'r of circling gold, 
Designed her sacred tresses to infold, 420 
And all, with grace immortal, to adjust, 
Fell off her head and tumbled in the dust. 
The Corybantes, at the omen dread, 
Felt instant torpor o'er their senses spread ; 
The mystick rites were stopped, by fears o'ercome; 425 
Fright universal reigned: the flutes were dumb ; 


47 . 


The mother of the gods, that rule the skies, 

Pronounced these words, ’mid sobs und plaintive sighs: 
** To me, old Lachesis, so full of years, | 

* Declared, long since, the S1GN that now appears; 430 

* The danger imminent, of Phrygian pow'r, - 

* Ts fnlly shown by my subverted tow’r. 

* Alas! what gore, Sangarius’ stream, will dye !— 

* What heaps of slain, on slow Meeander, lie! 

** Th’ irrevocable term, it's length, has run: 435 

* So, long decreed, the THUNDERER, my son. 

* With blood the borders equally shall reek, 

* And Lydia vainly, Bacchus’ thyrses, seek. 

* O Phrygian fields, so pleasing to my view: 

* Ye cities, doomed to flames, henceforth adieu! — 440 

* Soon will the ground, on which your castles rise, 

* A naked desert offer to the eyes ! 

* Farewell ye rivers, that so sweetly flow ! 

* No more, within your grots, my breast will glow ; 

* Nor eer again, on Berecynthia's space, 445 

« ‘The wheel our chariot rolls shall, furrows, trace !" 
Tis said, the goddess changed her plaint.of woes, 

To doleful sounds that from the drums arose ; 

His falling country, Athys wailed aloud; 

And, by their tears, the lions, grief, avowed. 450 
‘THOUGH rumours indiscreet abroad were spread, 

And fear of slaughter filled the mind with dread, 

Yet, ignorant to seem, Eutropius sought, 

When, to destruction’s brink, the realm was brought : 

Pretended that a petty, sneaking band, . 455 

Of wand'ring plunderers disturbed the land, 

And rather punishments for criines proposed, 

Than arms for war that, dangers near, disclosed :— 


48 


Not by commanders to repel the foe, 

But, to the. magistrate, successes owe. . 460 
So when the lofty bird* of Lybia flies 

Q'er arid sands pursued by bunters’ cries, 

With bending wings, like sails, that breezes force, 

He drives, through clouds of dust, his rapid course ; 

But, if the sound of steps behind, he hears, 465 

His anxious flight he stops: forgets his fears; 

Eyes closely shuts ;—his silly head conceals :— 

And, seeing nought bimself,—quite hidden feels! — , 
Howe’ eR, high promises he slyly sent, 

And gifts, to make Targibilus relent; . 470 

But, such the pleasure, sweets of plunder. gave: 

The savage chief declined to serve a slave: 

Rejected presents, through base terrours, brought, 

And all that, worthy warriors, might be thought. 

For what the honours but disgrace would show, 475 

That sheuld, from such an abject consul, flow ? 

His prayers were aseless now Eutropius knew : 

No gold could make him, movements wished, pursue ; 

The, frequent messengers returned in vain : 

No hope appeared, of treaty, to remain. 489 
AT length necessity for war he found : 

A council, to advise, he called around; 

Pert, forward youths, and aged letchers, came, 

Unknown to glory: men, whose only feme 

Was banquets rich and varied to prepare, 485 

The appetite to sate with costly fare ; 

Great Juno’s starry birds; and those so choice 

From India, green with sounds like human voice. 


. The Ostrich, 





49 


Meats sought in various countries far and wide, 

Could scarcely for their gluttony provide :— 490 
The fishes, that th’ Eeean billows lave ;— | 
Which swim Propontis’ or Meotis’ wave. 

Their studies were to gain, for dresses, praise : 

By sallies vain, epplauding smifes to raise ; 

Effeminacy ev'ry thing displayed :— 495 
The head perfumed :—sitks, down their softness, weighed. 
If Huns or fierce Sarmatians stormed the gate, 

Their ardour for the stage would not abate ; 

Rome they contemned, and still admired the domes, 

That, on the Besphorus, were made their homes. $00 
To figure in the dance, they fondly strove ; 

And, with dexterity the chariot, drove. 

From low plebeians, generals were made ; 

While some, in magisterial robes arrayed, 


Still marks of shackles on their legs retained : 505 
From rusty iron livid spots remained; 

Though constantly, imprinted on the face, 

Were seen the servile features of disgrace. 

But with Eutropius lay the chief command, 510 


Relying for support on Hosius' hand: 
And who, to all, could more delightful prove? 
With wondrous skill bis regulations move; 
Like smoke, he always manages so well, 
He sees no angry ebullitions swell. 
The two high columns of the Easr appear : 515 
There stands a cook :*—a worthless pander here ; 
Their backs with furrows from the scourge’s euiart ; 
Alike in slavery, but not in art. 

Vor. II. G 


: * Hosius was a cook. 


50 


Oft one was sold; the other passed his prime, 
Teserve a master in the Spanish clime. 590 
Howe’er the men of consequence were sought ; 
Together, for advice, to couusel, brought ; 
To them, affaus of moment to propound, 
And solace seek for num'rous ills around. 
But soon their minds from war and Phrygia flew: — 525 
'The jest and stage away attention drew ; 
With noisy rage they eagerly contend, 
Which tumbling boy the best his limbs can bend? 
Whose hair, with greatest ease, the pavement, sweeps, 
While, hands as feet and legs in air, he keeps? 530 
Who, with superior art, his side, inclines, 
And, in the finest curve, his body, twines ? 
Which voice accords, to fingers’ cadence, best? 
Or, whose the eyes, where gesture's most expressed ? 
Some fondly spout their fav rite tragick verse ; 535 
While, Tereus'* table, others must rehearse ; 
Agave}, to theatrick scenes unknown, 
In all her frantick cruelty, is shown. 
Eutropius, cried :—'* Away such sights as these! 
* "Tis time, for other cares you, arms, should seize; 540 
* Enough for me Armenia to defend, 
* Not singly with so many to contend. 
* To silver hairs, I. pray, indulgence yield, 
* And let the youth repair to glory's field." 
So sits the odious dame with needy bands 545 
Of girls around, whose labour she commands, 
And harshly.cautious at the loom to strive, 
That thence support, from toil, they may derive: 


* See Ov. Met. vi. Fab. 9. 
+ See Hon. Sat. 11. 3, and Ov. Met. L. 111. Fab. 10. 


51 


On holydays they, freedom, wish to gain, 

Resign their work, see friends, but ask in vain ; 550 
Now irritated, they confound the thread, 

And bitter tears, upon the tissue, shed. 

SrRAIGHT Leo caught the trembling circles eyes, 
With face of brass, and paunch of wondrous size, 
Whose appetite might with the Cyclops vie, 555 
Or e'en Celzeno' greediness defy. 

From feats at table, he obtained the name, 

"That, in the forest, bears, the beast of fame. 

This boaster, bitter, all the absent find : 

A bulky body with a pigmy's mind! 560 
Of late most skilful in tbe comber's art : 

Commander, greasy wool to smooth and part ! 

To cleanse the fleeces who could liim excel ?— 

Or, in the baskets, place the same as well >— 

The iron teeth apply with equal care, 565 
And, through the clefts, convey the unctuous hair ? 
Eutropius Ajax, Leo then was seen : 

A mighty blusterer with furious mien , 

Not sev'n bulls’ hides, his buckler, covered o'er, 

But vet a vast protuberance he bore, 570 
W hich, 'mong old women to the distaff trained, 

And, placed at ease, 'mid constant feasts, he gained. 
At length with efforts, that his frame distressed, 

He, panting, rose, and thus himself addressed. 

* Wuar terrours new, my friends, your hearts, pervade? 

** Shall we in womens shelters sit, dismayed, 

** Spectators idle of impending ill, 

* And let those perils multiply at will? 

* A plot is formed the empire to destroy, 

* While we, our bours in useless prayers, employ. 580 
o 


sd 


2 


** For this superior labour, I'm designed : 
* My hand is always to the sword inclined. 
* If, for the task, Minerva me require, 
** The work begun shall end as she desire. 
** Targibilus, puffed up with vain suceess, 585 
* Whose frantick actions, all the realm, oppress, 
* Will, in my hands, more light than wool, appear : 
* Gruthungi faithless, I like sheep will shear ; 
** And, peace regained, the Phrygian dames once more, 
* To their accustomed distaffs, I'll restore." 590 
'Turs said he, to his former seat, repeired: 
Applause the council, by their shouts, declared. 
Tuvs, through the theatre, in former days, 
Resounded plaudits of excessive praise, 
When, on the stage, an actor, who excelled, 595 . 
With hair, unlike his sex, the crowd beheld, 
As Niobé appear, with rage o'erspread, 
Or Trojan princess, tears of anguish, shed. 
THE standards he unfurled without delay, 
And took at once th' irremeable way ; 600 
To owls’ dread omens, armies forth were led, 
With which Mygdonien birds shall soon ‘be fed! 
Troops, proud of graces, fond of city ease ; 
"Mid idle games, their leisure, wont to please : 
In baths desirous notice to obtain : 605 
Nor suffer scorching sun nor chilling rain:— 
Since under Stilicho, how changed the race, - 
That, with the buckler, braved the frosts of Thrace, 
The winter passed within the open fields, 
And, breaking ice, drank waves that Hebrus yields! 610 
But, when command another leader took, 
Them, with their former gen’ral, strength forsook : 


| 58 
Ancyra:s triumphs and. Byzantine charms, 
Each pow'r enfeebliog, nerveless made their arms. 


L| 


T" advance before the foot, no horse were brought ;—-615 


No spots commodious. for encampments sought ;— 


No sentries placed, entrenchments to secure ;— 
No roads explored, their safety to insure : 

The wings, devoid of order, passed the ground ; 
Confusion ev'ry-where appeared around ; 


The crowd moved on, through forests avekgrown, . 


Cross-ways and narrow pathe, and vales unknown, 

¢ So wander coursera when without a guide ; 

And thus, the vessel, on the stormy tide, 

In spite of stars, no pilot at the helm, 

The foaming surge is seen to-overwhelm. 

Or, on the DEzs, the fish* of migbty size, 

When his attendant he no longer spies, 

That, moving on before, instruction gave 

Of path secure across tbe rolling wave, 

With little tail, the monster, showed tbe way, 

And seemed the purestifriendsbip to. display : 

The finny giant, o'er the liquid. plain, 

His course, attempts at random to maintain, 

"Till unawares arrived on shallow. shore 

' Return, he labours vainly to explore ; 

The efforts used, his ignorance defeats, 

And, gasping, 'gainst the. rugged rocks he beags. 
To feign escape, Targibilus was led, 

Which, with presumptuous hopes, vain Leo, fed; 

Who, at the banquet, while the bowl went. round, 

Ideally, the foe in fetters, bound. 


* The whale, 


630 


635 


54 


Soon to the camp, where sleep profoundly reigned, 
And Bacchus’ stores had lib'rally been gained, 
The enemy, unseen, repaired with speed ;— 


645 


Some, as they left their couch, were doomed to bleed, 


While others, who in slumber drew their breath, 

Were suddenly despatched to realms of Deatu ; 

A: neighb’ring fen received the crowds that fled, 

Who, unexampled, heaped the floods with dead. 

In terrour, Leo, on a horse, withdrew : 

More swift than deer, his sweating courser flew ; 

By weight borne down, he tumbled in the way ; 

Entangled in a slough the hero lay ; 

Prone, on the slimy bed awhile he sprawled ; 

Across the mire with difficulty crawled ; 

Deep, wallowing in the mud, th’ enormous load 

Puffed, sighed, and frightful apprehensions showed, 

Just like a swine, for future feasts designed, 

Which groans and cries, upon the block confined, 

As oft as Hosius, shining steel, displays, 

And, robe tucked up, the sides and limbs surveys, 

The joints considers proper for the spit : 

What parts, the boiling caldron, best will fit : 

And what the quantity required within, 

Of requisites, to stuff th’ intestine skin. 

With ardour for the work his breast abounds ; 

The whetstone often with the knife resounds ; 

Thick clouds of smoke and vapour mount on high, 

And, through air’s regions, t'wards Chalcedon, fly. 
Howe's, behind his back, among the trees, 

The foliage quivered with the passing breeze, 

Which, missile weapons, seemed to Leo's ear, 

And fancied wounds were realised by fear ; 


650 


655 


660 


670 


55 


Imagination felt the piercing dart ; 675 
"Till then quite sound was ev'ry vital part : 
He pictured to his mind approaching DEATH, 

And, hurt by fright alone, resigned his breath. 
Wretcu! who, the comb, advised thee to decline, 
That, in thy hand, the polished sword might shine: 680 

The seat, on which thy fathers sat, to yield, 

And arms prefer, within the tented field ? 

How, safely carding, thou rehears'dst, in song, 

The praises ;that to combers’ cards belong, - 

And, by thy labour, wast secured from cold, 685 
When Morn began her blusbes to unfold !. 

Here, abject mortal! thy pale corse is left; 

And, winle thy fingers shunned the fleecy weft, 

The unrelenting Destini£s were led, 

At length to sever thy last vital thread ! 690 
- Now wand'ring Fame, in her unsteady flight, 

By mournful rumours, filled the court with fright, 
Battalians routed ;—num’rous armies slain ;— 

With carnage overspread, Meeonia’s plain ;— 
Pamphylians who, the victor's triumph, graced;—— 695 
And fetters, on Pisidian captives, placed. 

Targibilus, his thunders, hurled around : 

In ev'ry quarter, terrours dire were found ; 

Against Galatia, moved a pow'rful force; 

While others, through Bithynia, took their course; 700 
Across Mount Taurus some, their footsteps, bore, 

And, thence descending, ran Cilicia o'er ; 

The ships, secured, facilities obtained : 

Our walls, by land and sea, might then be gained. 
Through apprehension, truths increase in size ; 705 
Beheld from lofty masts, flames seemed to rise: 


. 56 


And burning embers, wafted by the gales, | 
Passed o'er the Derr and fell upon the sails. 

AMID these rumours of distress and shame, 
Intelligence of worse disasters came ; 716 
Again the Babylonians spread alarms : 

Another sov'reign led their troops in arms ; 
And Parthians, viewmg peace with hateful eyes, 
Desired at once to break the Reman ties. 
Among the Medes, respect to kings is shown, 715 
And, shedding blood of priaces, rarely known ; 
The culprit's race entire, dread torments wait ; 
And safety find e'en tyrants of the state. 
But what disgrace and hideous crimes appear, 
When, with his name, Eutropius marks the year! 720 
Our friendly Saror’s® throne was overturned ; 
For wounds of royalty the Persians burned ; 
And, lest dome clime sheuld scape Deatn’s piereing dart, 
And broken faith not glare in ev'ry part, 
Th’ Eumenides their faming terches bore 725 
Beyond the floods that lave the Tigris’ shore. 
"Twas then indeed the bosom felt dismay, 
And, to so many threat'ning storms, gave way ; 
By horrid wars beset on ev'ry side, 
The wrath of gods was easily descried, . 730 
Th’ effect of omens dire that filled the air, 
When he was seated in the consul's chair : 
The dreadful ills, irrevocable found, 
That such a senseless wretch had brought around. 

"T'1s said the authors of the human frame, 735 
Two who, Iapetus for father, claim, 

* A name common to many of the Parthian kings, like Cesar 


among the Roman emperors, and Ptolemy with the Egyptian sove- 
Ieigns. 


57 


With matter like, but different success, 

Arranged the elements that, saan, express. — 

The race of mortals, that Prometheus plaaned 

And modelled with attentive, skilful hand, 

Commingligg eir divine with store of clay, 

Can pierce.the cloud that veils the future day; 

So nicely faxiaed; they penetrating prove, 

And, through. perplexities, with safety move. 

But those, the artist of inferior fame, 

Whom Grecian poets, Epimetheus, name, 

Of thickest argil, fashioned to his will, 

No intellectual animatiogs fill. 

Like flocks, they no impending dangers know : 

For perils that arise no foresight show ; 

The present slaughter they lament with cries, 

And, havock passed, bewail ‘mid doleful sighs. 
In Stilicho alone bright safety beamed ; 

The guilty, ominous, his coming deemed ; 

If, from the Alps, they heard he took his way, 

In dread of punishments and death they lay: 

Him now they wish arrived in Orrewr climes, 

And feel contrition for their former crimes ; 

Their hopes are placed on this benignant star, 

To save them from the ravages of war; - 

Alike the virtuous and. the wicked find... 

The same desire impressed upon their mind. 


740 


745 


| 780 


755 


760 


Tuus children, when their sire, the seas, has passed, - 


To barter riches, by his cares amassed : 
Intent on play, and studies laid aside, 


With joy they range, unsheckled by their guide ; 


But should a surly neighbour seize the dome, 
And, unrevenged, gxpel them from their home, 
Vor. II. H 


765 


58- 


The father then they anxiously implore, 
And turn in vain their eyes upon the shore. - 970 
ALL owned, they punishment and death deserved, 
W ho, for a slave, from Stilicho had swerved. 
Th’ illusion o'er, they viewed with marked surprise 
Their frantick course, and turned away the eyes. 
The lictor shook: the Rops were prostrate placed; 775 
And, from their hands, the Axes fell disgraced. 
$6, from Aonia when, with thyrses stained 
In Pentheus’ blood, the Bacche, Thebes, regained, 
At sight of him whom furious madness slew, 
And head turned round to meet the mother's* view, 780 
Their feet were fixed: a cloud the sight o'erspread : 
And, with incessant rage, their grief was fed. 
HoweEven, presently Aurora came 
Herself the: aid of Italy to claim: 
No longer beained her hair with circling light ; 785 
No more the countenance with ardour bright ; 
Nor, oer her dress, the gorgeous god of day 
Displayed the lustre of the saffronray: — 
In tears and pale, as when she, Memnon, sought, 
That, to a Phrygian tomb, he might be brought. 790 
Dy Stilicho her presence was perceived, 
W ho guessed her object and the cause that grieved ; 
He kept his ground: his conqu'ring hand she pressed, 
And, weeping, thus with sigbs, the chief, addressed: 
‘“ ART thou disgusted with our OgrENT sky? 795 
* Oft I was wont upon thee to rely ; 
* "To slaves thou leav'st me now, who scorn have shown, 
* And, to Hesperia, giv'st thy cares, alone. 


* Agave, See Ov. Met. L. 111, Fab. 10. and Hon. Sat. 11. 3. v. SOS. 





59 


* Nor have I seen thee since the tyrant's fall ; 

** From us did Vict’ry bear thee to the Gaul? 800 

* ‘My realm first evil from Rufinus knew, 

* ‘Who, o'er both states, the seeds of Discorp threw. 

* But thy returning cohorts, full of rage, 

** To arms inured, sought further to engage. _ 

** Then, for a moment, with enticing mien, 805 

** Pretended smiles of liberty were seen ; 

** T hoped, once more; o'er empire to preside, 

* If Stilicho were near, the reins to guide. 

* Ah! silly joy, to future prospects blind! 

* The DouBLE STATE appeared to laws resigned, 810 

« (For who, with such examples dread in view, . 

* ‘Would enterprises similar pursue ?) 

* When suddenly a monster forward came, 

* With infamy combined his very name: 

* Rufinus' base, emasculated heir ! 815 

* By Fortune doomed again her frowns to share, 

* Since in the change, intended me to vex, 

** The tyrant was the same, except in sex, 

** The crimes engendered first within his mind, 

* Were, to the secret bed-chamber, confined. 890 

* "Mid fear, in private, he obtained his will: i 

* His pow’r, though hated, was an eunuch's still ; 

* Nor durst he yet the publick rights invade, 

** Nor, to his wishes, all the laws degrade. 

* But, in the sequel, when the Goop had flown, 895 

* And none remained, save those for vices known, 

^ The worst companions then obtained his voice : 

.* Here Hosius stood, and Leo, worthy choice! 

* To highest confidence the miscreants grew ; 

" In fond desire of sway, no bounds he knew, 830 
H 2 





60 


* This high patrician, honours, has debased, 

* And these, as consul, e'en by sale disgraced ; 

** But others, which he wears with pride extreme, 
* By such a bearer, more polluted seem, 

** No longer trumps and standards, bosoms, fire ; 
** No more the sword is viewed with bold desire ; 
** Derision, nations openly display, 

* And we are found at will an easy prey. 

** More desolate than Thrace or Heemus now, 

* My plains vill lie unfurrowed by the plough. 

* Alas! what cities, long to wars unused, 

** Have been by recent plunderers abused! 

** Of late, from regions where th’ Araxes falls, - 


- 835 


** Have horse their terrours borne to Antioch's walls, 


" And this high ornament of Syrian fame 

* Was scarcely saved frem suffering by fleme. - 
** No obstacles, —and store of booty, found, 

* With joy the foe beholds the slaughter round.; 
* Again, fresh spojls with confidence, pursues, 
* And scenes of gore repeatedly renews. 

© No hostile force from Caucasus descends, 

** Nor, t'wards me, from the icy Phasis, tends ; 
* Now, in my bosom, horrid wars are framed ; 
* Gruthungi, lately Roman legions named, 


* Who, to our laws, as people conquered, bowed, 


* 'To whom we, fertile fields and homes, allowed, 
* Through Lydia scatter desolation dire, 

_ * The choicest fruits of Asia waste with fire, 

* And what escaped their first destructive course, 
Relying not on chiefs nor numerous force, 

** But inactivity, which basely reigned, 

** And treachery, that oft, our gen’rals, gained, 


845 


850 


855 


860 


61 


** Whose guilty conduct made the soldier shun 

** The captives that on Danube's banks he won ; 

** And he, a part disjoined, beholds with fright, 865 
*€ Who put the whole united horde to flight. 

** In feasts and dancing is the court employed, 

** Nor thinks of loss, while something is enjoyed. 

** Though savages the realm have overrun, ' 

^^ Eutropius, by their arms, is not undone, 870 
* Whate'er remains is into portions thrown, 

* And, in the province, two tribunals known: 

** The tribute, that the conquered quarters paid, 

* On what is left, is rigorously laid. 

‘¢ "Tis thus, to me, that nations are restored ! 875 
* And lands decreased, more governors, afford ! 

* My only hope, O Stilicho! art thou: 

‘* Tears, thee, I proffer, for the olive bough ; 

“ Assist, I pray, from falling, me, to save, 

* And snatch me from the empire of a slave. — 880 
* ‘Thou wilt not all condemn for crimes of few, 

* Nor blend passed merit with transgressions new. 

* Away with anger now !—erase each trace : 

* Impending dangers always, faults, efface. 

* Camillus, though an exile filled with ire, 885 
* Could not in flames his country see expire. 

* I come not, thee, from Latium to procure: 

** Each, thou art able fully to assure ; 

* 'The splendour of thy arms alike may fall, 

* And be reflected equally on all. 890 
^ O’er realms of East and Wesr extend thy shield, 
And let thy worth, to both, protection yield." 





THE 


PRAISES OF STILICHO. 


b= = —— ___—__} 
‘BOOK I. 


For Rome the gods, their constant favour, keep, 
And, on success, they new successes heap.  . 
The court had scarcely ceased connubial strain, 
When sounds of triumph echoed—Gildo slain. 
By laurels, am'rous garlands were replaced : 3 
Both spouse and victor's naine, the sov'reign, graced. _ 
The wars, concluded, in the Libyan clime, 
And equally subdued the OnrxNT crime, 
Again the Axes rise with splendid glare, 
W hile Stilicho adorns the curule chair. 10 
The wishes, that within our bosoms reign, : 
With steadiness their usual course maintain. 
' Snour» I attempt his whole exploits to praise, 
On Pelion icy Ossa I might raise; 
And if a part I pass in silence o'er, | .15 
What I relinquish will be glory’s store. 
Shall I, his youth and early actions, tell ?— 
The mind inclines, on recent scenes, to dwell. - 


64 


His justice to relate should I delight >— 

Mars’ beaming rays af once engage the sight. 20 

Shall I recount his brilliant feats of arms ?— 

Still more in peace his gen'rous conduct charms. 

"Twas he, through Latium cheicest blessings, spread : 

Again made Africa submit the head: 

Secured Iberia from the Moors' design, 25 

While Gaul With «ridet, quiet, vies the Rhine. 

Shall I, bis steps, make known, through frosts of Thrace, 

Or on the Hebrus’ banks bis-conquests trace? 

O'er plains in view Pierian chariots move: 

Their weary tracks, the load of praises, prove. 39 
SINCE mortals first the fertile earth possessed, 

With favours unallayed fhey ne’er were blessed. 

Flagitious morals oft the man degrade, 

In whom the br ightest features are displayed; — 

And frightful forms repeatedly, we find, 35 

Conceal the graces ‘of à polished mind. 7 ) 

This, who ‘mid battles’ rage obtained the bays, 

In peace, the worst propensities, betrays ; 

That, for the publick, always prosp'rous found, 

In private life, afffictions dire surround.. 40 

These gifts divided, each some portion gains : 

Here, symmetry of frame ;—there, vigour reigns ; 

In one is rigour seen ;—another shows 

That piety within his bosom glows. 

On laws and science some, their hours, employ ;- 45 

While others place, on wives and babes, their joy. 

O'er numbers scattered we, these bounties, see : 

The whole completely blended, view in thee ; 

The blessings, thus diffused among the rest, 

At once appear united in thy breast. 59 


65 


Musr I the actions of thy father state, 
And all his military feats relate ? 
Had he no.talents shown ;—no legions led, 
To Valens true, with gems around their head : 
Still would the son'a immortal fame suffice :— . 84 
With Stilicho the parent's glory rise. 
WHILE yet a boy, an ardent mind he showed ; 
Round tender years the smiles of Fortune glowed ; 
Undaunted ;—active ;—toil no bar was viewed ;— 
No limits fixed.the object he pursued ; 60 
Already bold expression marked his way, | 
To rolls that proudly, heroes names, display. 
Conspicuous now with dignity of mien, 
Respect was shown wherever thou wert seen ; 
The features ;—eager look ;—limbs ;—lofty air:— 65 
All seemed the future gen'ral to declare ; 
Such e'en the poets, in their songs of praise, 
Would, demi-gods to equal, scarcely raise. 
Where'er thou movedst, through the city's space, 
To thee, tbough yet a soldier, erowds gave place; 70 
The silent homage, by the people shown, 
Anticipated honours from the throne. 
T nou scarcely hadst, of youth, attained the age, 
When thou wast sent Assyria to engage 
In treaties that tranquillity should gain, 73 
And, from a mighty nation, peace obtain. 
Thou pass'dst the Tigris and Euphrates’ bed :— 
At length thy steps to Babylon were led. 
The lofty, Parthian nobles felt surprise; _ 
Delight pervaded ev'ry archer's eyes ; , 80 
The handsome stranger, Persian dames beheld: 
Flame filled each heart, and bosams fandly swelled. - 
Vor. II. I 


^ 


66 


Amid the perfumes, that sweet incense yields, - 

And richest odours from Sabaan.fields, 

On sacred altars in profusion placed, 

With due solemnity was peace embraced. 

The holy fire was in the temple sought, 

And forth by priests from deep recesses brought ; 

A pious sacrifice were bullocks made, 

And, to Chaldean rites, high rev'rence paid. 

The king himself was seen, with ready hand, 

The sparkling cup’s ingredients to expand: 

Ele, Belus'* secrets, called his oath to hear, 

And Mithras} ranging through the starry sphere. 

When numbers thee attended to the chase, 

Who showed, to Stilicho, superior grace, 

The pointed steel a-far at once to dart, 

And pierce the lion or the tiger’s heart ? 

With reins the courser to conduct at will, 

The Medes acknowledged thy superior skill ; 

In admiration Parthians stood, to view 

The certainty with which thy arrows flew. 
MEANWHILE a daughter's marriageable age, 

In doubts appeared her father to engage ; 

A chief he wished, who would a hero make, 

And equally to wife the princess take. 

Through all the realm a son-in-law he sought, 

Who, worthy of Serena's hand, was thought. 

He, virtue, held in estimation high: 

Searched camps and cities with discerning eye ; 

O'er various nations ran with dubious mind, 

The scales suspended, anxious such to find. 


* The Jupiter of the Persians. 
+ The Persian name for the Sun. 


85 


90 


95 


100 


105 


110 











67 


To thee at length the preference was shown, 

Above the rest, in ev'ry quarter known; 

As C xsARs son, at once designed to move : 115 

To future emperors a sire to prove. 

Rich, Tyrian purple decked the nuptial bed, 

And gold around profusely, lustre, spread. 

The royal maid forth from the palace came : 

Here stood her sire, adorned with wreaths of fame; 120 

And there the mother who, upon her, placed 

The modest veil with precious jewels graced. . 

Then joys prevailed amid the starry sphere ; 

'The coursers bounded in the Sun's career ; ; 

The bursting soil, large founts of honey, showed ; 

And milk in streams from earth’s recesses flowed. 

The undulating floods of Bosph'rus' shore, 

With beauteous, vernal flow’rs, were covered o'er ; 

Europa, with a rosy garland, crowned, 

The useful torch to Asia, raised around. 130 
Tuart sov reign fortunate must stand confessed, 

Whose choice, the universe, has rendered blessed : 

Who, by superior judgment, first can learn, 

What equally, at length, we all discern! | 

Sucb,—such the man, he to the palace brought, 135 

And, proper for a daughter's husband, thought ; 

To whom, no luxury like glory's field ; 

No scenes, like those of peril, pleasures, yield ; 

Nor life preserved could in his bosom raise 

More sweet delight than honourable praise. 140 

For, who, fierce Mysians in their wagons, slew, 

Or, at a blow, Bastarne, overthrew, 

When quite elated by Promotus' death, 

Who, in the conflict, had resigned his breath? 

I2 


Oud 
ts 
C 


4 





68 


From Turnus’ blood /Eneas souglit to gain 145 
Tb appeasing vengeance due to Pallas slain ; 

And Hectors corse, to wheels of chariot, tied, 
Achilles' wrath or av'rice*, made subside. 

But thou, no lifeless bodies, dragg'st around, 

For sale designed, to direful carriage, bound ; 150 
Nor, with importless crueltyT elate, 

Upon a single victimT, wreak'st thy hate: 

Whole armies, horse and foot, receive their doom ;— 

Dy thee are sacrificed to friendship's tomb; 

A nation whole, to this departed shade, 155 
In expiation, is an off ring made. 

For thee no fabled shield has Vulcan wrought ; 
No arms the fictions of the poets brought, 
Without their mighty aid, by pow'rs thy own, 
Have hosts DARBARIAN been at length o'erthrown, 160 
And pent within a narrow valley's space, __ 

Who desolation spread through wretched Thrace. 
Alike thou brav'st th’ Alani’s clam'rous charge ; 

The cruelty of Huns. who range at large; 

The Gelon’s sithe; the Gete with their bow ; 165 
And heavy javelins that Sarmatians throw. 


, 


* Achilles is accused of selling Hector's dead body to Priam: 


* Ter circum Iliacos raptacerat Hectora muros, 
^ Eszamimumque auro corpus cendebat Achilles.” 


VIRGIL. /En. Lib. 1. 487— 8. 


** Thrice round the Trojan walls Achilles drew 
*! The corpse of Hector, whom in fight he slew. 
5 Here Priam sues; and there, for sums of gold, 
^ The lifeless body of his son is sold." 
Darpen. 


+ Like JEneas, } Turnus, 





69 


Their extirpation soon had been complete, 
But, this, a traitor* laboured to defeat ; 
Perfidiously the sov'reign's ear he gained : 
Delays, by art, repeatedly obtained ; 170 
The facile sword again, the scabbard, found ; | 
The foe, no threat'ning force, perceived around; 
And num'rous captives, panting for release, 
Were readily alowed to sign a peace. ; 

His hours were in the tented field employed ; 175 
The city air but rarely he enjoyed, 
Unless th’ imperial voice, with anxious breast . 
His presence in the royal palace, pressed. 
. Leave, scarcely of his household gods, he took, 
Or on his wife bestowed a tender look ; 180 
His sword, unwiped, displayed the bloody stain: - 
Away he flew to banners on the plain ; 
Nor stopped, e'en through his helm to snatch a sip, - 
A parent’s kiss, from young Eucherius' lip. 
In him, the cares of gen'ral overcame 185 
The father’s fondness and connubial flame. 

Orr Thracian frosts he bore within his tent, 
And Scythian blasts that slow: Bootes sent! 
When others scarcely could the cold endure, | 
With fires in sight, heat fully to secure, | 190 
Thy courser trod the Danube’s frozen face; 
High Athos’ snows thy tufts were seen to trace ; 
The bushes clad in ice were forced to yield, 
As, through the woods, thou press dst thy glitt’ring shield! 
Along Cimmerian shores he now was led: 195 
Now made the cloudy Rhodopé his bed. 


* Rufinus, 


70 


O vales of Hemus! always wintry vieweds 

That Stilicho so oft with slaughter strewed ; 

Yestreams of Thrace, whose waves with blood were dyed : 

Bisaltse say, and you who bullocks guide, 200 

To furrow up Pangea’s sod, avow 

What rotten helmets crack beneath the plough ! 

How many bones of kings, along the soil, 

In fight o'erthrown, resound with harrows’ toil ! 
Each noble action I would fain relate ; 205 

Bat such the numbers that, attention, wait, 

Like rolling billows which, on billows, move, 

Our pow’rs, too weak to sing his praises, prove. 
AcaAiNsT Eugenius, when the wars were o'er, 

And that inhuman tyrant breathed no more, 210 

To thee the universe in charge remained, 

And, realms ethereal, Theodosius gained. 

Like him, thy shoulders bore the weighty load, 

Though tott'ring symptoms then the summits showed. 
So Hercules, the earth, upheld of old; 215 

His pow'rs, the balance, equally controlled : 

The Heav'nly orbs displayed no dubious force, 

But, through the zodiack, kept their steady course ;. 

And aged Atlas, for a while relieved, 

Astonished stood when he, the mass, perceived. 220 
BARBARIANS, peace, observed ;—no tumults rose 

From novelty, -so hostile to repose; 

Though far removed, the prince, from earth's domains, 

The realm imperial felt no change of reins. 

From East to WEst was perfect order viewed; 225 

The armies, steady discipline, pursued ; 

What standards e’er, such various people, led, 

In arms, in langusge,—nations widely spread ? 





71 


The royal father had the OnrEN' raised : 
Th’ Iberians’ armour here, with Colchyans’, blazed ; 230 
The Arab, crowned with twining garland, there ; 
And near, th’ Armenian with his flaxen hair; 
The Saces, tents of various tints, displayed : - 
The Medes, pavilions stained with equal shade ; 
While those, the swarthy Indian force possessed, 235 
In richest gems and precious stones, were dressed. 
Here, cohorts proud from banks of Rhone’s swift waves; 
There, soldiers bred on shores that OcEAw laves. 
The num'rous nations that together moved, 
To Stilicho's commands, obedient proved, 240 
By Sor reviewed at break of early morn, 
- Or when his setting rays the West adorn. 
Amip such various tongues and people round, 
No feuds were heard ;—tranquillity was found ; 
The feeble, in thy steady laws, perceived 245 - 
A rampart safe that, trembling fears, relieved. 
From depredations were the vineyards sure; 
The farmer saw his crops of corn secure ; 
No cruelty from rage; no baseness reigned : 
A due respect the placid sword maintained. 250 
Examples, truly, by superiors shown, 
The vulgar always seek to make their own ; 
And as the troops, their geu'ral's trump, pursue, 
They follow equally his manners too. 

WHERE Ek, with victory around thee spread, 255 
The Roman eagles were in triumph led, | 
The various streams no longer kept their course, 
Exhausted by thy num'rous, martial force. 

When, through Illyricum, they took their way, 
Beneath them fields and mountains hidden lay ; ~ 960 


72 


Or if th’ Ionian sea, thy enàigns, bore, 
The liquid plain, by ships, was covered o’er. 
No clouds that hover on Ceraunia's top, 
Nor storms that crown Leucates, thee, could stop. 
The troops wauld dauntless go at thy command, 265 
Where waves a frozen surface far expand ; 
Wlth thee secure, the lab'ring oars would sweep 
The ice that Saturn heaps upon the Dzr». 
By thee required the deserts SouTH to tread, 
Or pierce where mystick Nile conceals his head, —— 270 
They, undismayed, would haste to burning skies, 
And penetrate where Ethiopia lies. 
Eurotas' gliding floods resound thy name; 
Lyceeus echoes with thy deeds of fame; 
On Menalus their voice the shepherds raise, 975 
And fondly, in their songs, rehearse thy praise. 
Parthenius' grove, where thy triumphant feats 
Saved Greece from flame, the pleasing note repeats. 
Th’ Arcadian Ladon then, with heaps of dead, 
No progress made along his oozy bed ; .280 
Alpheus, loaded with the Getz slain, | | 
Sicilian waves beloved, could scarcely gain. 
SHOULD we feel wonder, foes are overthrown, 
. By war's dread rage, who bend to fright alone? 
Without the trumpets clangour, Franks gave way; 285 
Suevi soon, our laws, were made obey ; 
No force was used: ‘twill scarcely credit find ; 
Fierce Germany at once the neck resigned. 
Your high exploits, O Drusus !—Trajan! yield, ’ 
Renown acquired by struggles in the field ; - 290 
Whate’er, ‘nid perils great, your arms assured, 
The presence e’en of Stilicho procured. 





(78 


The Rhine's subjection you, for years, pursued, 
Whicb, in us many days, his sword subdued. 
You, conquests, reaped from steel's imperious force; 293 
He, triumphe, owed to eloquent discourse. 
WHERE you appeared with mighty armies round, 
Security he, unescorted, found ; 
The river, followed trom tte fountain-head : 
Descended as the flowing waters led, $00 
And reached the bi-fold mouth on fenny shore; 
With speed of bolts that fly *mid thunder's roar. 
' More rapid than the Rhine his efforts proved : 
He peace extended as the current moved; 
Now kings with bushy hair and tawny mien, 305 
In former days with treinbling terrour seen, 
W ho neither to th' imperial mandates bowed, 
Nor precious presents' influence allowed, . 
In haste proceeded orders to obey, 
And feared to raise thy anger by delay; 810 
Across the gliding stream in boats they went : 
Where'er thy wishes called, their footsteps bent. ' 
Nor were their hopes of equity deceived, | 
Which Fame had widely spread and they believed ; 
With thee was rigid piety observed ; 315 
From what was just thy judgment never swerved ; 
The Germans, who approaching greatly feared, 
When they returned, thy character revered. 
These hordes redoubted, that, for sordid gold, 
Oft ignominious peace and treaties sold, $880 
Now, with their sons attending, humbly sought, 
T bat, to conclusion, contests might be brought : 
'Fheir eyes on earth, like wretched captives bound, 


Conducted to 'Tarpeia's heights renowned. 
Vor. II. K 


74 


To Ocraw's limits, from the Ister’s source, 
All viewed with dread a single gen’ral’s course ; 
The Nortu submission showed without a blow ; 


325 


Those, under CuARLES's W A1N, their arms laid low; 


So many battles in a moment gained : 

By thee, without the loss of blood, obtained ! 

At thy departure, Luna’s rays were new: 

And thou again wast back, ere full she grew. - 

With haughty look no longer now beheld, 

The Rhine resigned the lance, by thee compelled ; 

The Salians thence their fields in safety plough ; 

- Their falchions into sithes, Sicambrians bow ; 

When both the shores, the stranger's eyes discern, 

In doubt,—the Roman, he desires to learn. 

Beyond the stream the Belgian’s flocks are seen : 

Caüci show no irritated mien ; 

The Elbe's mid wave, the Gallick herds pass oer, 

And, mountains of the Franks, at will explore ; 

The hunter, at his ease, pursues the chase, 

Across th’ Hercynian forest's dreary space ; 

_ In groves where bloody superstitions dwell, 

BARBARIANS sacred oaks we freely fell. 
DEvoTED minds howe'er they now display, 

And willingly the victor's voice obey. 

The Alemanni oft, an union, sought, 

And wished, beneath thy banners, to be brought ; 

Although refused, no discontent appeared : 

The praise, their zeal received, dejection, cheered. 

Each province sooner would the Rops neglect, 


Than Franks, those kings by thee bestowed, reject. 


"Iis wrong with armies rebels to confound : 
In chains for punishment should these be bound. 


330 


335 


340 


345 


350 





75 


Beneath our consul's sway Rome’s dungeons saw. 
E’en crimes of princes subject to the law. 
This, Marcomeres felt and Sonno too: 
The one Etruria as an exile knew; 360 
The other, when he hoped t'avenge the stain, 
Was, in the moment, by his people slain. 
Alike their bosoms burned with frantick rage: - 
In tumults, —always ready to engage: 
Both, tranquil peace, with ev'ry hatred viewed, 365 
And, vicious paths, fraternally pursued. 
THE Arctick quarter scarcely found repose, 

When, t'wards the other pole, a tempest rose. 
Lest any should escape tliy triumphs round, 
The trumpet, from the Souru, began to sound. — 370 
By Gildo's furies had the Moors been led, 
A people placed beneath high Atlas’ head, 
Whose regions, Sor o'erpow'rs with burning ray : 
The Cinyps passes in his winding way; 
The Triton, with his rolling waters, laves, 375 
As, near th' Hesperian gardens, glide his waves; 
The Gir*, in Ethiopian climes, renowned, 
Which, like the Nile, o'erflows the neighb'ring ground. 
With him the Nubians, bearing arrows, moved : 

Swift Garamanthians, his confed' rates, proved; 360 
Nor Ammon,f theugh with answers of dismay, 
The lively Nasamonians, could delay. 

In crowds the warriours through Numidia sped : 
Thick dust, Geetulian quicksands, overspread ; 
The num'rous flights of arrows, seen arise, 385 
Appeared to darken Carthaginian skies. ' 

| K 2. 

^ Perheps the Nicer. t Jupiter Ammon. 


1 


74 


Here, some with rods their rapid coursers guide: 
There, others wear the lion's tawny hide, 
And skins of monsters huge, with labour brought, 
From Meroé, in arid deserts caught. 390 
The heads of. serpents they, as helmets, bear, 
And vipers’ scales upon their quivers glare. — . 
SucH fear net Simeis showed when Mesgnon led 
His sable troops on Ida's lofty bed ; 
Less trembled Ganges at the Indians’ view, . $95 
When, from the elephant, they javelins threw. «oi»: 
From Alexander, Porus met his death ; 
Achilles made black Memnqn yield his breath; 
And Gildo in the dust now prostrate lies, 
Beneath thy arms, constrained to close his eyes. 400 
Nos to the SourH alone was war confined : 
Mars shook the East, to pious concord blind. 
To others, Gildo left the Libyan climes, 
And, with the regal title, masked his crimes. 
A double war arose with direful mien : 405 
Here, swords appeared ;—there, vile deceit was seen; 
Assistance, fierce allies to Africk lent: 
The Ortrent realm by treach'rous plots was rent ; 
Thence edicts passed the leaders to deprave : 
No longer corn-supplies the otber gave; 410 
These stores denied, fell Famine reared her head, 
And, through the trembling city, horrour spread. 
Destructive scenes in Libya met the sight :— 
In silence, civil discord shunned the light. 
Tuus raged the storm alike from East to West: 415 
‘The empire, torn, alternately was pressed. 
The virtuous hero, faithful to the state, 
No labour spared to watch impending FATE; 











7Z 


And, destined high successes to obtain, 

Adversity but made his worth more plain. 420 
So, on th’ ZEgeaa sea, when storms ariáe, . 

And clouds Orion stretches o'er the skies, 

The pilot, pressing gently on the helm, 

The wave avoids that, all, would overwhelm, 

Now turns with skill the prow and then the side, 425 

‘Mid raging floods and winds the ship to guide. 
O SriLICHO! in whom such virtues glow, 

Where first shall I my admiration show ? 

Thy wondrous Prupence, conning, could withstand ;— 

Detect feigned writings, or the treach’rous hand; 480 

Though terrour. reigned, by thee no plaints were made, 

That might the Latan: majesty. degrade ; “ 

Thy answers always firm the Or1eNT found, 

And soon their truth thy valour proved around. 

Thy riches, lands, and domes;.though they possessed, 455 

Tranquillity pervaded still thy breast ; 

The loss was slight, and disregarded lay : 

No publick int'rest to thy own gave way. 

Thy foresight looks at once to num’rous cares ; 

With thee remains the burden of affairs ; 440 

Whate’er is planned engages well thy mind : 

To thee the execution is consigned. 

With readiness thy diction clearly flows, 

Designed by writing, orders, to disclose. 

Briareus, with a hundred hands supplied, . 445 

Jf e'en as many more he could provide, 

Would he such num'rous obstacles subdue ; 

Elude the wiles that fascinate the view ; 

The vet ran cohorts strengthen :—new prepare ; 

Two fleets proyide, alternately to bear 450 


ed 





80 


But vain the Ethiopian's venomed dart, 515 

That, direful havock, doubly can impart ; 

The show’rs of arrows ;—clouds of horsemen round : 

From Latian spears, their overthrow they found. 

The sluggish Nasamonian breathed his last ; 

— No shafts the suppliant Garamantian cast ; 590 

Th' Autololes to native deserts flew ; 

Aside, their arms, th’ appalled Mazaces threw; - 

And Moorish coursers, lab'ring o'er the plain, 

No longer paid attention to the rein. 

A little boat conveyed him from the shore : 525 

To fatal Tabraca the monster bore; 

Repelled by winds, the elements he saw, 

Conspired to make him bend beneath the law ; 

Derided by the mob, he met his death ; 

By base-born judge, condemned to yield his breath. 530 
Tuoucu Fortune, constancy, have always shown, 

‘She must not, this success, pronounce her own. 

We ne'er depended on a single fight, 

Nor, in a camp, collected Arr our might. 

Had direful ills o’erpow’red the Roman force, 535 

Still other vessels thither took their course ; 

Already Africa perceived at hand, | 

A hero famed,—superior in command. 

No triumph e'er was reckoned more complete ; 

With pleasure ev’ry Latian bosom beat; 540 

Tyranes’ fall conferred not such delight :— 

The Pontus’ war :—proud Pyrrhus put to flight ;— 

Antiochus pursued ;—Jugurtha chained ;— 

Or Perseus low ;—or Philip's kingdom gained. 

For empire's bounds enlarged those combats raged ; 545 

The Roman safety now our cares engaged ; 














81 


In former times security afose, - 

From tardy steps that wily prudence chose ; 

_ But nothing here could by delays be won, 
Since—late to vanquish was to be undone. 

In dread suspense ithperial Rome was seen, 
Between the victor's wreath and FAMINE's mien. 
Yet Libya, placed again beneath our laws, 
More joy conveys thun triumph’s loud applause. 
The pain that rises from possessions lost, 

Is greater, than when hopes alone are crossed. 
Should Punick faith be blotted from the mind? 
O Scipios !—Regulus !—your names resigned ? 
What verse would sing of Fabius’ firm delays, 

If o'er our laws the Moor his pow'r should raise, 
And Carthage in submission proudly bold :— 
This conquest back recalls the bays of old. 

The glory, Stilicho's exploits afford, 

To thee, O Rome! thy triumphs has restored. 


Vor. II. L 


550 


555 


560 


T". 








THE 


PRAISES OF STILICHO. 





BOOK IT. 


"THUS far to glories I have tuned my lyre; 
Now let the strings to softer strains aspire ; 
O Muse! th’ accord of love and fear, express, 
Designed at once the universe to bless : 
The noble virtue Stilicho maintains, 5 
Who guides with steady hands th’ imperial reins ; 
The prayers that his reluctance overcame, 
And, in the Calends, placed ‘at length his name. 
‘First, CLemency, protectress' of the world, 
Who sits on high where Jove’s dread bolts are hurled, 10 
Amid the air commingles cold with heat: - 
"Mong gods esteemed, in years the most complete ; . 
(For she on Chaos. pity took of ok, 
And sought the heaped confusion to unfold, 
With countenance serene dire darkness chased, 15 
And beaming light in future ages placed :) 
Preferring thee to temples’ sacred walls, 
‘Where altars blaze and holy incense falls, 
This Pow’r Divine, with tenderness impressed, - 
Has fixed her hallowed seat within thy breast. 20 

L 2 


84 


She whispers :—bloody punishments display 
A savage mind, resembling beasts of prey ; 
The sword, in war witlr sanguinary stain, 
. When peace prevails around, let dry remain ; 
Resentment deep ne'er cherish in thy mind : 25 
Let culprits readily a pardon find; 
. Away with anger as the gusts appear ; 
To supplications lend a wilting ear ; 
Resistance crush ; and, like the lion, show, 
' "Tis with contempt thou view'st a prostrate foe. 30 
Whoe'er ’gainst bulls his strength desires to try, 
Will pass the humble prey unheeded by. 
With thee, this Heav'nly teacher's lessons weigh, 
And, to the vanquished, grace at once, convey ; 
Prayers meet success: content their fears to move, — $5 
Thou stiflest heats, that always hurtful prove; 
Enough when terrour thou extend’st around, 
Like Jove, whose direful thunder shakes the ground, 
Who hurls the bolts, by Cyclops’ labour’made, 
On rocks, and monsters that through billows wade; 40 
And, sparing human blood, his lightaing, spreads 
On trees that bend o'er (Eta's brow their heads. 

Fait, like her sister; dwells within thy heart, 
And takes, im all thy stepsya willing part. 
From her thou learu'dst, —no falsehoods to aver ;— 45 
No wiles to use:— no promise to defer; 
To lay the mystck veil of hate aside; 
No venenation iB the breast to hide; 
Nor when afflictions piercingly arise, 
With gayest smiles tbe fcelings to disguise ; 30 
But ev'ry feature, artlessly resigned, 
To leave, a faithful index of thy mind. 


am 


85 


She ne'er to secret vengeance gives consent; - 
With private benefactions feels content ; 

In bapde of edamast, long friendships, holds: _ 
No levity capriciously unfolds ; 

Nor suffers ties, that amity has worn, 

By idle tales to be asunder torn. 

'The pure regard which length of time has traced 
Is not, by comers new, to be effaced. 

Each benefit obtained is sacred thought ; 

No slight offence, again to notice brought ; 

The kindnesses received, both great and small, 
Are fondly viewed, with gratitude to all ; 

And as with erms the foe is overthrown, 

The friend is vanquished by attentions shows. 
With ev'ry cane the absent she protects: - | 
While far away, each calumny rejects ; 

No willing ear imclines to rumours vain ; 
Allows no false reports respect to gain, 

And, from the object, to their spite denied, — 
Thy mind, which proves a shield, to turn aside. . 
Affection shown is not withdrawn by death, 
Aud to the sepulchre consigned with breath ; 
But friendship, that the parents leng had known, 
The children equally perceive their own. 
While Theodosius’ hand the sceptre swayed, 
Through Fartx thy veneration was displayed ; 
And when the monarch with his fathers slept, 
By Hex still frm was thy attention kept : 
Alike his offspring, thy protection, share, 

With those by Nature subject to thy care. 


Him, Fame believes possessed of upright views, 


Who, 'mid temptations, honour's path pursues, - 


55 


75 


86 


And more desirous seems, return, to make, 85 
Than, others’ rights, disgracefully to take. 

No heaps of gold nor stores with treasure swelled, 

For those revered, by Stilicho were held ; 

But double realms, which Sox at morn surveys, 

Or in the eve bedecks with gilded rays. 90 
What !—tmsecurity supposed around, 

‘While, in those able hands, the reins are found ? 

With such a shield his safety to insure, 

Honorius might a parent's loss endure; 

No contumely his early moments saw : 95 
'The various states subdued received his law ; 

And as the youthful prince to manhood grew, 

Increase of triumphs equally he knew. 

Thy utmost pow'rs were used to form his mind : 

A proper rigour mixed with manners kind ; 100 
While anxious to concede what pleasure gave, | 
‘No sloth, his beart, was suffered to deprave ; . 

By firm resistance, to illusions, shown, 

No damp, upon his energies, was thrown. 

If private hints to give appeared thy aim ; 105 
' The people's wishes secretly to name ; 

Or, venerating age, thou guid'dst the helm, 

And, by parental counsel, rul'dst the realm ; 

With rev'rence always was the sov'reign viewed :- 

The sire's advice, the gen'ral still pursued. 110 
From thee betimes he learned to curb desire, 

And, bonds connubial, for his flame, require; 

No passion loose his early years betrayed, 

But morals chaste he constantly displayed. 

O happy man! the prince thy son to find : 115 
And blessed the monarch in.a father kind ! 








. 87 


Tux brothers int'rests anxious to befriend, 
Thy cares were seen Arcadius to attend ; 
Nor when base wretches, madness to excuse, 
Presumed the,sov'reign's royal name to use, 120 
Didst thou attribute, to the youth, disgrace, 
That thy discernment could to others trace. 
For when discordant uproar raged around, 
Thou, always master of thyself, wast found ; 
Though contumely, without disguise, was shown, 125 
And swords, to menace, equally were known, 
By thee, was viewed the war, with eyes of hate: 
A source of civil broils to wound the state. 
Yet, spite of faction in the OnrENT raised, 
Which, 'mid the palace walls, with fury blazed, 130 
Thy faithful conduct, friendship's bands, maintained, 
Between the brothers who conjointly reigned. 
1 hose precious mantles from Sidonia brought ; 
Delts rich in pearls; and robes with jewels wrought ; 
The armour overspread with em'ralds rare ; 135 
Bright helmets sparkling with the jacinth's glare ; 
The swords, their father's hand had often pressed, 
With hiits of ev'ry elegance possessed ; 
And crowns with diamonds' brilliancy combined : 
By thee, in equal portions, were assigned ; 140 
Ti’ imperial ornaments alike to grace 
The double heirs of Theodosian race. 
Though various parts experienced restless erimes, 
The troops were bastened to the EAsTERN climes: 
F’en rather wouldst thou, strength, afford the foe, — 145 
Then let suspicions of thy conduct grow ; 
Wnate'er Arcadius justly sought to gain, 
Thqu anxiously desir'dst he should obtain ; 


/ 


88 


And when reluctance in thy steps was seen; | 
The prince soon viewed thy course with pleasing mien, 150 
Convinced, the wish expressed, he might rely, 


His glory solely led thee to deny. e 

Tur Heav'nly goddesses, who feel delight, 
In putting base designs at once to fitght, . 
Their choirs uniting, in thy heart reside, 155 


And, with complacency, thy conduct guide. 

By thee, from Justice, this advice is heard : 

* Let rectitude, to int'rest, be preferred; 

* Obey the laws; and ne'er on friends bestow, 

“ What, perfect equity’s neglect, would show.” 160 
Thy limbs, from PaTIENCE, hardships, learn to bear, 
And toil with equal readiness to share ; 

Through TEMPERANCE is appetite restrained : 

By PRuDENCE, just reflections are maintained ; 

And Constancy, attention, always pays, 165 
To guard thy actions from incautious ways. 

The hideous Furres, reared "mid darkness dread, 

Are far removed :—their pinions forced to spread. 

Base AVARICE, with jaws of largest size, 

Insatiate parent, whence fell crimes arise, 170 
Whose craving throat, ‘mid floods of golden ore, 

Ne'er glutted proves, but always thirsts for more ; 

And dark AmBITION, nurse attentive found, 

Who slyly prowls, the gates of pow'r, around, 

Intent, by bribes, high honours to obtain: 175 
Together safety seek, from flight, to gain. 

Against corruptions which, mankind, debase, 

Those dire examples that, the age, disgrace, 

Which, plunder, lawful make, and, guilt, defend: 

Thy virtuous principles, with strength, contend. 180 





89 
Tue reins of empire, seen within thy hands, 
The rieh feel tranquil, ‘mid paternal lands, — 
No terrours fot their household gods disclose, : 
But, in those ancient homes, at ease, repose. 
No vile informers rove, that all detest: ' 189 
No virtue lies by poverty oppressed ; | ^ 
By thee is merit sought throughout the earth : 
Theu giv'st:no-preferenee to claims of birth; - 
No length of pedigree diretts the choice: 
"Tis solely: merit that obtains thy voice. 190 
A judge benign, our actions, keeps in sight: ‘ 
To mordt excellence, rewards invite. 
Here, arts revive that shone in former days; 
There, learning seeks once more the meed of praise ; 
And, from the dust, where long neglected seen, 198 
Again the Muses rise with cheering mien. 
Ar equal ardour, rich and poor display : 
To useful studies, due attention, pay, 
Since, spite of Fortune, talents mount to fame, 
And wealtb, for dulness, vainly makes a claim. 200 
Vo.uPtuousness, with all-seducing air, 
Could never, thy sagacity, ensnare, 
Though oft her smiles the senses have misled, 
And or the mind the shades of darkness spread, 
Unnerved each limb ;—like Circé’s treach'rous art, 203 
The look serene concealing latent smart : 
Around allurements charming to behold, 
With serpents fierce beneath a robe of gold, 
What numbers she has trammeled in her net! 
Yet, thee, her utmost efforts ne’er could get. 210 
No flame adult’rous troubles thy repose; 
Nor sleep, to labour, opposition: shows ; 
Vor. II. 


90 

At thy repasts, no dulcet lyres resound, 
Nor boys, with songs libidinous, are foupd. 
What eye e'er viewed thee tree from cares of state, 215 
Thy mind unbent, 'mid festive scenes elate, 
Unless the publick joy, pervading all, 
For relaxation, loudly seemed to call? 

No waste of treasure ';— wealth of absentees 
Ne'er fills the fisc, produced by base decrees ; 220 
From thv economy the soldiers feel 
No chilling coldness through their bosoms steal ; 
Nor when aloud resounds the martial strain, 
The troops, o'erlooked in peace, fresh favour, gein. 
Thou know'st full well, that presents, nade through fear, 
To those contemned, devoid of charms appear ; 
"Tis then in vain to lavish precious ore, 
Too long preserved in AVARICE’s store. 
Thy lib'ral hand anticipates desire, 
And boons, unlooked for, freely men acquire. 230 
A seat, the warriour at thy table meets ; 
Thy tongue, his name, with readiness repeats : 
His feats recalls, achieved in former days, 
With thee in arms, deserving highest praise; 
Thy cheering words, upon the sense impressed, 235 
Increase reward and warm the feeling breast. 
How oft soe’er the recompense is shown, 
Reproach, upon thy favour, ne'er is thrown; 
When thou addressest those who, honours, bear, 
By thee conferred, no pride pervades thy air ; 240 
Nor does prosperity a glow impart, 
"] hat fills with silly vanity thy heart. 
Those haughty manners, Oft.in greatness seen, 
Which merit damp with arrogance of micn, 


91 


. And, o'er the virtues, trembling terrours, spread, 
In haste have always from thy presence fled. 
To thee access with ease the people gain ; 
Attention ev'ry-where, their prayers obtain ; - 
They need not, hours of banqueting, await, 
To thee their wishes readily to state ; 
The liberty of speech, by all, is used, 
And gayety, without restraint, infused. 
Alike the guest beholds, with marked surprise, 
The sire of her that charms the sov'reign's eyes, 
And him, who guards the realm with able hand : 
The citizen conjoined with high command. 
The man of learning listens with delight, 
To hear thee, facts of ancient date, recite ; 
The aged sage, to thy remarks, attends : 
The warriour, to exploits, attention lends ; 
Less charms Amphion’s dulcet strains displayed, 
That, for the Theban ramparts, stones, conveyed ; 
Or Orpheus’ lyre, which so enchanting proved, 
That e'en the trees, with delectation, moved. 

"T'1s here, the source of true affection lies, - 
The wish sincere appears without disguise ; 
And while, thy name, loud plaudits echo round, 
In golden statues is thy image found. 
The anvils groan; the flame of artists glows; 
In num'rous furnaces the metal flows, 
For distant climes, thy semblance to prepare: 
A god, thou soón wouldst adoration share, 
Where'er the publick eye tby features views, 
Didst thou not study honours to refuse. 
Such high respect let those desire to gain, 
Who, false devotion, scarcely can obtain ; 

2 


15 
wt 
So. 


e60 


270 


275 . 


, 92 
Despairing true affection to acquire, 
Let them, the homage paid through fear, admire : 
He, doubtless, adulation, may despise, 
Whose claims to praise, from real merit, rise. 280 
AMBASSADORS, from various regions, came; 
The prince, from num'rous voices, hears thy fame ; 
The Gaul his gratitude devoutly shows, 
For limits well secured from savage blows, 
Which leave bim freely buildings to provide, 285 
And lofty. domes, upon tlie river's side, 
To which BAgBAR1ANSs pft, disquiet, gave: 
Now covered like the banks on Tiber's wave. 
- High laud thy due, for wresting of ‘his fields 
From tyrant's* grasp, the Carthaginian yields ; 290 
Pannonians, long besieged, their joy confess ; 
find those who, with their lips, Save's waters, press, 
Unlock their city-gates, that war had shut; 
From rust, with whetstones, clear the sithe to cut; 
By labour, cankered mattocks, render bright ; 295 
To rural huts again direct the sight : 
With eagerness embrace each well known hill ; 
And scarcely think, parental fields, they till. 
The forests cleared, that long neglected lay, 
On ev'ry side, abundance, shall display ; 300 
The Ister's banks, the vine shall deck once more, 
Its clust'ring branches overhang the shore ; 
. And farmers, that escaped the tyrant's steel, 
To pay their fathers’ tax, delight will feele 
- 'Thy safety, happiness the state, secures, | 305 
And, to disjointed realms, fresh youtb, assures; 





* Dildo 


Wheteer so many princes onte resigned, 
Beneath the sceptse's away agam we find. 


By Stilicho plone, Rome’s wounds are healed, - 


The cicatrice shall quickly-be concealed ; 
Restorgéd, the rustick to his fertile lands, 
Th’ Illyrian..tolls will flow from walling hands. 
Nor less the object of .celestial choice, 
Than hero, favoured by the: publick voice, 
In union round th’ Jamosra.s, aid, combine; 
Upon the shores, the hostile troops, confine; 
Across the liquid plain, obstruct their:flight; |. 
Or, on themselves, let all tbeir- fury light ; | 
The limbs asimder, Penthbeus' fate to.share, 
Allow the seldiers, in their rage, to tear; 
To thee each strategem they open lay: - ' 
Disclose, like dogs, to CR1ME's retreat, the way ; 
The future, mark with signs that certain prove; 
Obscurity, by flight of birds remove ; 
Or, when to sleep the senses are resigned," 
A faithful image render to the mind. . 
For thee innumerable climes desire, 
With eager voice, the consul's bright attire ; 
But, deaf ‘to such requests, and judge severe 
Of those exploits that stamp thy own career, 
While others’ merits thou art prone to praise; 
The blusb upon thy cheek, such plaudits. raise, 
And thou, with:modesty, ‘wouldst fain refuse, 
What ev'ry eye, a tardy honour, views. 
So long their hopes -ceceived, at length they go. 
To Roman walls, their anxious wish to show; 
To vanquish thy reluctancy, their aim, 
And then their happiness aloud proclaim. 


810 


315 


. 920 


395 


330 


| $35 


94 


Delays to hinder, they at once repair, | 

To domes revered, to offer up their prayer, 340 

And reach the temple, by the goddess graced, 

Upon Mount Palatine's high summit placed. 

Then Spain, with Olive branches round her head, 

And robe that Tacus’ gold embellished, said : 
** ‘To me has Stilicho oft, kindness, shown, 345 

* And, honours, to himself, denied alone; 

* From Theodosius he, the Rops, declined : 

* Hononus' offers now, refusal, find. 

* If these, he shuns, from Pow'n, his talents guide, 

** Let him the boon receive, as one allied. 350 

* Does he, as trifles, view his num'rous cares ? 

“ Th’ Iberian race, bis firm protection, shares; . 

* Our children’s children on his justice rest ; 

** The royal purple, Bestis’ waves, has blessed. 

** From Mary, future Casars will arise: 355 

* In him the sov'reigns' grandsire meets our eyes.” 
Next GAUL stepped forth with fierce and haughty air, 

Her temples smoothly twined with golden hair ; 

A collar graced her neck ; two darts she pressed, 

And thus, the goddess, boldly she addressed : 368 
* To calends, why remains that chief unknown, — 

* By whom the Franks and Germans were o'erthrown? 

* Why still unregistered appears that name 

** Which, worth, so oft has shown for rolls of (ame? 

** Does peace's blessing to the Rhine restored, 365 

** No claim, to glory's splendid page, afford ?" 
BRITANNIA then, with cheeks that, wounds, displayed, 

In Caledonian monster's spoils, arrayed, 

And azure dress that, o'er her footsteps, waved, 

Like rolling billows, thus attention craved : 370 








95 


* Ow me bas Stilicho oft, aid, bestowed, 
** When neighb’sing nations, hostile movements, showed, 
« The Scotch allured the Irish in their train, 
** And Tethys foamed with foes that ploughed the main, 
** By him assisted, I, their darts, could dare ; 375 
** Devoid of fear, the Picts’ incursions, bear; 
** And Saxons, who their dubious course pursue 
** In spite of winds, upon my. borders, view.” 

Now Arica, bedecked with ears of corn, . 
And iv'ry cembs her tresses to adorn, 390 
W hile from her features ruddy brightness broke 
Like sultry. beams of day, thus freely spoke : 

* Once Gildo slain, I hoped the chief would frame 
“< No mpre delays, the consul-robes to claim ; 
** But even now, when Moors no longer sway, 385 
<< The Rops be shuns 'mid triumphs to display." 

TuEn lastly, ItaLy to speak was led, - 
‘The grape and ivy twined around her head, 
And, from the luscious clusters on the vine, 
Proceeded copious floods of gen’rous wine. $90 
* Ir you," she cried, “ so anxiously desire, 
That curule chairs should, Stilicho, acquire, 
** Whose fame alone can give your breast delight : 
** Still more the wish, my ardour, should incite ; 
** His high tribunal I with joy shall cheer, |^. $95 
** When he unfolds the entrance of the year." 

Tuus each expressed her love, and, Rome, implored. 
‘Fo bear their prayers to him they all adored. 
Not slow their supplications to convey, 
She snatched her arms, and hastened straight away : 409 
Through airy space more swiftly winged her flight, 
Than stars that fall from ether's mazy height. ; 


€€ 


96 


Etruria soon, lier rapid: movement, viewed: : 
She o'er Mount Apennine her course pursued ; 
Along the Po, her shield's reflection played ; 405 
At length the chief revered her eyes surveyed; — 
‘Fhe. dignity, upon her features seen, 
Like Mars’ appeared, or Pallas lofty miéh. - 
Now through the house her brilliant-buekler blazed: 
The goddess’ phimage, on the ceilinz, grezéd'y u 440 
The hero, q&&ite surprised, she then addressed, 
And thus, with tenderness, her ‘plaints expressed: 
* O Srinrcuo! whose worth. we fully knew, — 
** 'To thee the curulé chairs, their safety, owe ; 
* 'Though by thy labours steadily sastamed, 415 
** The consulship has yet, thy ndme, né'er gained. - 
‘© What use the office, from a sluve, to clear, 
** The servile spots disgraceful to the year > 
* Dost thou the honour shun, thy arm defends ?— 
* Refuse the offer that, such splendour, lends? 420 
** The dignity debased thou seek’st to raise : 
** From whence proceeds the cause of those délays? 
* Now what pretenee canst thou at present use, 
“ Thyself again still longer, to excuse? 
" No niore alarms the NonTH extends aromd: 425 
' And calm is all the Sournern region found ; 
“© The Moor is prostrate; Germany laid low; 
* And, perfect peace, the gates of Janus shoy. 
* Am I regarded as. unworthy still, 
* 'The rank of consul, to behold thee fill? ! 430 
* Can we that dignity consider small, | 
"Which C xsAns, for themselves, an honour, call > 
“ What nations hast thou brought beneath my yoke, 
* And captive monarchs, mercy to invoke! 








97 
* Are we debased if Nature's signs disclose, 
“ Portentously, th’ approach of future woes ? 
* "The direful omen, that alarmed thy breast, 
* Has solely, on the Oarent quarter, pressed} - 


* By no experience is the fable proved : 
* Disdainful smiles; the rumour scarcely moved. 


“ Should credence be allowed to such disgrace? 


* In no despatch the horrid erime we trace. 

* What virtue !—senate-counsel to require, 

* And, prodigies gone, to hide, desire ! 

* Decrees designed the monster to pursue, 

* No stains degrading on the palace, threw: 

* My senate ne'er received Eutropius' namie: 
** To hesitate had: been to share the blame; 

** The page profane, from Phoebus’ early ray; 

* In QcxaN's rolling billows blotted lay. 

* No base examples, of the Fares’ career, 

* Arrived to wound the chaste, Italian ear ; 

* And (thartks to cares, so thoroughly thy own,) 
** The publick rage is in oblivion thrown. 

* Whoe’er, in OnrENT calends, ceased to write 
** The consul's name; niust feel supreme delight. 
‘© No Gabin-registers, such horrours soil ; 

** 'T" efface the spot, let those dishonoured toil: 

* Dut why, to be exempt, should I rejoice? 

* The wretch was never seen the Roman choice ; 


' 435 


440 


4i 


455 


460 


* The grief to Eastean realms should be confined : 


« 'T'o credit such events, we ne'er inclined. 

* Yet, had a crime extended over ALL, 

* Upon our Axes doomed alike to fall, 

** To thee still more this dignity ts due ; 

** The ancient honour should to worth be true: 
Vor. lI. N 


= 


465 


“$e 


t 4 
n E" 


98 


** Save Stilicho, no consul’s hand can heal 

*€ The wound inflicted on the publick weal. 

** Thy prescient miad might well the time retard : 

** ‘To thee the title then had proved reward ; 470 
* While now thé Dicnity, by thee obtained, 

* Increase of honour, equally bas gained, 

* Dispel alarms that, consuls, now oppress, 

Or which, in future may, the charge, distress. 

Thy name allow the year: the rising youth, ‘- 475 
Security, will place upon thy truthg _ 

* @ur ancestors, whom sorrow clouded oer; 

* By thee defended, will repine no more. 

** The consul-robes, which Brutus first designed, 

** In Stilicho, an able shield, shall find. . 480 
* The former publick liberty replaced ; 

“ The other's Rons expelled the wretch debased. 

** The lofty dignity from Brutus rose : 

* To Stilicho it preservation owes. 

* Still greater glory, from protection, springs, 485 
‘¢ ‘Than, to the author, new invention brings. 

** Why then so slow to follow my desire? 

* Why let thy cheek, the ruddy blush, acquire? 

** Away with modesty !—'tis that alone, 

* Of all thy foes, remains to be o'erthrown. 490 
* Though presents never can thy bosom sway, 

« Yet, with admiring eyes, this dress survey; 

* From me receive the robes that Pallas wove ; 

* To give the double purple dye we strove ; 

* The threads of gold by Lachesis were brought, 495 
«* When she, beneath thy rule, blessed ages, sought. 

*€ The promised race, my bands depicted here: 

* The progeny desired that ALL revere: 


6c 





99 


** Thou soon wilt, true my prophecies, aver, E 

* And, faith upon the loom, shall FATE confer." — 500: 
Turs said, rich gifts she, from her lap, displayed : 

The consul-robes with massy gold inlaid. 

Minerva's hand divine, the work declares; 

A palace here, with lofty columns, glares ; 

There, Mary's lying-in :—Lucina by, . 405 

On whom she can with confidence rely ; 

_ A bed of splendid elegance is seen : 

Pale, ’mid her joy, the anxious mother's mien ; 

The new-born boy nymphs crowned with garlands hold, 

And, full of ardour, plunge in fount of gold ; 410 

Loud bursts of laughter on their chceks appear, 

And infant cries seem trembling on the ear. 

The child, each feature of his father, shows; 

A youth, beyond the cradle, now he grows. 

But Stilicho, by long experience, wise, 51g 

To gain attention from his grandson, trics, 

And martial precepts, to the prince, convey, 

Designed in time the universe to sway. 

Eucherius, on another side, is placed: 

His cheek, with bloom of carly dawnings, graced, 

He steadily his courser's step maintains ; 

In bloody foam appear the silken reins ; 

With darts or bow, that richest work adorns, 

He strikes the purple stags with golden horns. 

Fair.Venus, drawn by doves, in wedlocks bands 595 

A three-fold royal union, forms of hands. - 

The flutt’ring Loves the charming bride surround, 

From Czsars sprung :—to C.usars, sister found. 


No 


a 
i5 
a 


160 


The modest veil, Eucherius raises now, 

7 That overspreads the timid virgin's* brow ; 

Thermantiaf laughs her brother's ; joy to view; 

Alike to both the diadem is due: 

AA house whence monarchs, royal partners, gain, 

And queens, for husbands, sovereigns, obtain. 
To him the goddess, such rewards, displayed ;: 

. Within his hand, the iv'ry sceptre, laid ; 

Consulting auspices, the urn she stirred, 

. And birds, in lucky auguries, concurred. 

llis shoulders then, which often, armour, bore, 

With Romulean dress she covered o'er ; 

| In Latian ornaments, his neck was dressed, 


And Rosrs, in lieu of steel, o'erspread his breast. 


Tuus Mars victorious, from the Scythian field, 
Or Ister’s course, returning, quits the shield ; 
Majestick calm appears upon his face ; 

The consul-splendour shines with ev'ry grace ; 
Triumphantly he enters Rome’s proud walls ; 
The brightest glare upon his horses falls ; 

To Romulus, the rein obedient proves ; 

Before the bloody car, Bellona moves ; 

A weighty spear she stretches t'wards the stars, 
Enriched with various spoils obtained in wars. 
As lictors, TERROUR and his brother Fear, 
With laurel-wreaths upon their helms, appear ; 
Barbarian necks they load with heavy chains, 
While Fricurt, beside the yoke, an Axe, sustains. 


* PLACIDIA, sister to Honorius. 


530 


585 


540 


549 


550 


533 


+ THERMANTIA, the sister of the deceased empress Mary, mare 


pied to Honorius, qui Mariam non tetigerat. 











101 


THE consul wished, with Rowr's request, complied :— 
s¢ I'll now, to fields Elysian, haste,” she cried ; 
Success, so long thé object of my care, 
* At onee, to Curii and Fabricii, bear, 560 
'* Who, when of late the news their ears assailed, 
* The gown debased, with floods of tears bewailed ; 
* They, o'er the verdant lawns, will skip and play: 
* Without a blush, both Catos e'en be gay. 
^ Hear this, old Brutus !—Scipios, listen too! 565 
* Who, Punick pow'r, completely overthrew ; 
* At length I'm cleared, from double ills that grieved : 
“ The Rops and Libya, one alone relieved. 
'* © Consul, with superior strength possessed, 
* A favour add, to set my mind at rest, 570 
* Thyself, amid our city ramparts, show : 
* To thee the laws their restoration owe; 
* From war and famine, Rome thou render dst free : 
* A new Camillus, let the Forum see, 
The people and the senators behold, 575 
“ Yn thee, avenging force, a hero bold, 
** Their firm defence, who Africa restored, 
* And made the Rhine at length, rich crops, afford ; 
“ The fruits of Ceres from Massyla brought ; 
* The Gallic stores, for my consumption, sought; 580 
* Now winds, from rainy Sours, or NorTHERN sky, 
* Alike, with corn, my granaries, supply. 
* What crowds of people then shall we survey, 
* Spectators on the broad, Flaminian way! 
* The clouds of dust that, anxious hopes, deceive, 585 
* While, thee each moment coming, they believe ! 
* The matrons eagerly, their eyes, shall raise, 
* 'The choicest flow'rs be scattered o'er thy ways, 


108 


* When thou, with consul-majesty around, 

* Resembling senators, of old renowned, _ . 490 

* 'Thy course, to sacred temples, shalt pursue, 

** ‘To him devoted, who the Python slew. 

* From Pompey's theatre, what shouts will rise! 

** Thy name, from Murtia's vale*, shall reach the skies ;— 

* Mount Aventine with resonances, fill ; — 595 

* And echo o'er the Palatine high hill ! 

* Haste, leave the camp, I pray: my ramparts now, 

* 'To gaze upon thy countenance, allow ; 

* Again the consul-robes, for thee, prepare, 

* Which, with thy son-in-law, thou soon wilt wear." 600 
Wui te Rome thus spoke, wing'd Fame oer Ocean flew; 

Her many tongues, attention, quickly drew ; 

A thousand men, who highest honours shared, 

To show respect, their readiness declared ; 

Nor age, nor length of way, nor Alps’ high top 605 

Where wintry blasts prevail, their course could stop; 

The love of merit, obstacles, removed, 

Illustrious chiefs, whose virtues oft were proved, 

Who, with the Rops, were seen in former days, 

The year, the realm's avenger, came to praise. 610 
So when the Phenix sole, by fruitful death, 

Resumes the charms that rise with youthful breath, 

And, from Aurora's gates to Nile's repairs, 

In pious claws, parental ashes, bears, 

The eagles haste, with birds from all the skies, 615 

On pinions from the Sun, to feast their eyes ; 

Afar, the fun'ral flame attracts the sight, 

And cinnamon exhales what gives delight. 


* In this valley stood the temple of Venus Myrtea.  Murtia is the 
goddess of Idlencss. 








103 


Nor less the pleasure by the stars expressed : 
Joy filled thy gods, —both 'Theodosius'* breast ; 620 
Een Sor himself, by Sprine his coursers crowned, 
The year prepared in which thy name is found. 

Far otf, in distant realms beyond our sphere, 
And scarcely known to those, mankind revere, 
The musty mother of the AGEs rests : 625 
Her cave antique, eternity attests, 
From thence she, Y EAns, in long succession, rolls, 
And back, to gain her lap, their course controls. 
A serpent huge that, all the human pow’rs, 
With calm insensibility devours, . 630 
Intwines the cavern ;—shows a lasting scale :— | 
With direful: jaws brought back, consumes his tail ;— 
Continues in the sacrifice begun, 
And, silently, the curve to overrun. 
Before the door, is long-lived NATURE seen, 635 
The threshold's guard, with sweet, majestick mien ; 
The flutt'ring pow'rs that, animation, lend 
To earthly tbings, from ev'ry limb depend. 
Here venerable AGE gives laws secure, 
That shall to latest times, unchanged, endure; . 640 
'The stars, distributes; regulates their place, 
And course, amid th' imineasurable space; 
By fixed decrees preserves the vital breath, 
And equal certainty displays of death. 
Th' irregularities of Mans, he shows; 645 
Th’ undeviating path, the THUND’RER goes; 
Th’ advantages which thence the world obtains ; 
In LuN A's steps the rapidness that reigns ; 


* The father and grandfather of Arcadius and Honorius. 


104 


How slowly in his orbit SaATuRN moves ; 
For Venus’ car, what time sufficient proves, 650 
And MEacuRy, companion of the Sun, 
Along the space assigned, their course to run. 
Bricut Puasus stopped his steeds, the cave in view ; 
To greet his coming, pow rful NATURE flew.; 
Though elder, she inclined her hoary hend, 655 
Before the beaming rays that, splendour, shed. 
The doors of adamant were open thrown, 
And freely all the deep recesses shown : 
The sacred seats, and mysteries that rise, 
Around Erernity, to spread disguise. 660 
The Aces here distinctly keep their plage : ' 
Of each, impressed the METAL on the face ;. 
The Brass, in heaps rolled up, there, meet the sight; 
The stubborn Iron, here, and S1ILveR white; 
But, in the fairest quarter, that of Gop, 665 
Which, anxious mortals scarcely e’er behold. 
From those, selected Sor the choicest year, 
That, marked thereon, might StiLicHo appear; 
To féllow in the rear, he bade the rest, 
Aud these expressions, to the whole, addressed: — 670 
* Ar length for consul we the chief have gained, 
* For whom the purest ages, I retained ; 
* Go, Years! by mortals wished; lead, Virtues! now: 
* Again, with man to flourish, arts, allow ; 
* The flowing nectar, Bacchus shall provide, 675 
* And fruitfulness be seen on ev'ry side. 
* No ice shall Draco hiss between the WAINS, 
“ Nor Northern Bear extend his frozen chains ; 
* No rage the Lrow, from the flame, shall show : 
* The Cras, around his claws, no scorching, know ;680 





~ 


405 


* Nor shall the WATER-BEARER's pitcher show'r 

* Those heavy floods that, rising crops, o'erpow r. 

* Let Phryxus’ Ram, with horns delightful, bring 

Fertility to grace the lovely SPRING; 

* Nor suffer Scorpion, with destructive hail, 685 

^ The ripe and unctuous Olives, to assail ; 

* May Virco’s smiles, th’ Autumnal fruits, mature, 

* And, grapes, the Doc-Stars milder rays, endure.” 
Tuts said, he entered gardens strewed with dew; 

A stream of flame around the valley flew ; 690 

Large Solar rays among the plants were spread, 

On which the coursers of the Sun are fed. 

His brow the Gop or Day, with garlands, graced, 

And flow’rs, o'er saffron reins and horses, placed ; 

These, equally, the humid Stan or Morn . 695 

And bright Aurora hastened to adorn. 

Close by,—the coming, golden year was seen : 

In hand the bridle, and with smiling mien; ' 

The consul's splendid name in front appeared : 

The circling course begun, th’ IwMoRTALS cheered ; 700 

And, in the calends of th’ ethereal frame, 

They, STILICHO, inscribed on rolls of fame. 


Vou. II. 9 


"D 





1, 


THE 


‘PRAISES OF STILICHO. 
BOOK III. 


ee 
PREFACE. 


Tue noble Scipio who, from Latium’s shore, 
Alone, to Carthage Punick contests, bore, 
Attention ne'er confined to deeds of arms, 
But courted equally Pierian charms ; 
The poet always, in the hero’s breast, —— 5 
A favoured place of eminence possessed ; | 
For ViRTUE ever ardently desires, 
The Nine should witness what, her bosom, fires. 
The friend of verse, he constantly is found, 
Whose actions most are worthy to resound. 10 
If he, while youthful strength tbe veins pervades, 
Submit Spain's waves, t'avenge paternal shades, 
Or, anxious Tyrian force to overthrow, 
On Libyan seas appalling standards show : 
"Mid camps where trumpets’ roar, the warriour, cheers, 15 
The learned Ennius by his side appears. 
When, clangour, clarions cease at times to raise, 
The Foor are seen attentive to his lays, 


O 4 








108 


With hands still red from slaughter in the field, 

The CavALRY, their loudest plaudits, yield. 20 
And when th’ illustrious warriour gave the blow, 

That both the haughty Carthages laid low, 

(The one, a father's shade reyered required, 

The other, vengeangs for his country fired). 

At length, subdued the direful rage of war, 25 
In sorrow Libya marched before the car, 

With Vicrory the Muses back repaired, 

And, laurel-wreaths of Mars, the poet shared. 

Our Scipio now, in Stilieho, is seen ; 

Another Hannibal, more fierce in mien, 30 
Than that famed chief in Punick annals known, 

Has, by his pow’rful hand, been overthrown. 

Five years estranged, he, Rome, to wy desires, 

Restores once more, and vigilance requires, 


BOOK 1H. 


O Rewz! the hero cheered by publick voice, 
Behold the objecf of tbe senate’s choice; - 
No longer count'the distance through the plain, 
The clouds of dust that, anxious eyes, restrain : 
Disquietude’s tormenting doubts no more, 5 
Thy bosom’s ardent wish, shall hover o'er. 
He, all, appears at present to tby eyes, 
That memory of former days supplies. . 
With pow’rs that e'en thy utmost hopes transcend, 
And virtues which to fame still lustre lend. 10 
High veneration for the consul show, 
To whom thy Rops their restoration owe. 
Against thy lips with pleasure press the hand, 
Which, Punick climes, restored to Rome’s command ; 
Exalt the lofty mind, that guides the reins, 15 
W hose care, in equipoise, the world, maintains ; 
His sacred countenance with joy behold, 
Which thou rever'st in brass :—admir'st in gold. 
His martial feats in ev'ry quarter shine ;— 
Gave Libya aid :—peace, Ister and the Rhine. 20 
Ir Stilicho, as seen in former days, 
Desired the mob, upon his toils, should gaze, 





110 


And wished to show the conquests of his sword, 

Alike both poles would, laurel-wreaths, afford ;— 
Around, the spoils of Alemanni, lie, 25 
And heaps of riches from the SouTHERN sky. 
Sicambrians, here, would move with golden hair; 

. The swarthy Moor disclose black tresses, there ; 

His coursers like the snow, the hero guide ; 

The car, with laurels hung on ev'ry side, 30 
"The soldier follow, while loud shouts arise, 

And spread through all the air tbeir joyful cries. 

Kings dragged enslaved :—in metal, cities shown,— 
The captive streams, and mountains, overthrown ;— 
The Libyan rivers, broken horns, display : 35 
And Germany with tears, Rhine’s chains, survey. 

But, Rome, thy consul, no vain glory, knows : 

No praises on himself he e’er bestows ; 

Far more the Acrron gives his heart delight, 

Than those rewards so pleasing to the sight. 40 
He, vam applause, disdains ; and, triumph, finds, 

To pomp, superior, i1 the people's minds. 

No chief with preater joy, the Romans viewed : 
Fabricius who, Epirus' king, pursued ; 

Nor when, o'er Pella, Paul* victorious proved, AS 
And, to the capitol, his chariot moved. 

Not equal glory was around displayed, . 

When proudly Latian gates were open laid, 

And Marius, from Numidian conquests, came, 

Or Pompey with the wreaths of ORIENT fame. 50 
A jealous party always hovered near, 

Against them clamours loud, intent to rear ; 


9 Paulus /Emilius. 








111 


Agd Envy followed, urged by spiteful sting, - 
On actions noble, foul disgrace. to fling. 
But Stilicho, by virtues all his own, 
O'er malice rose and bounds to mortals known. 
For who could e’er invidiously repine, 
Recause the stars, with lasting splendour, ‘shine ? 
Or Jupiter retains the azure skies? 
Or Phoebus, over.all, directs his eyes? 
A place, to lofty merit, is assigned, 
Where enviqus shafts a passage never find. 
Between those_warriours then so much renowned, 
The publick favour was divided found : 
The one, whose, worth the senators revered, 
To vulgar sight an odious chief appeared ; 
While he, the object of the people’s choice, 
Could never fully gain the fathers’ voice. 
Among the orders reigns no discord now, 
To one alone their suffrage, all avow ; 
Th’ equestrian cheers; tbe senator gives praise ; 
Their plaudits, high and low together raise. 

O Happy chief! to thee Rome, safety, owes, 
And, veneration as a parent, shows ; 
W hom all the world reveres; the Gaul attends ; 


55 


G5 


70 


75 


Whose blood, with sov'reigns, Spain in wedlock blends ! 


Thy coming, ev'ry vóice with gladness, moved ;— 


Alike the senate and the prince approved. 
Not more the charms of Flora, maids desire; 
Nor fruits, the animating show'r, require; 
Nor prosp’rous gales to sailors give delight ; 
Than louged the people to behold thy sight. 
Dip Delos e'er display, upon her shores, 
Such prescient laurels from celestial stores, 


112 
When great Apollo's bow, with radiant ray, 


vs 


Announced the god's approach who rules the duy 3a 


Or, Lydia, swelled Pactolus’ floods of gold, 
From [ndia’s eonquest, Bacchus to behold? 

SEE, see! plebeians how they throng thé ways, 
And, from the houses, mothers fondly gaze. 
. O Stilicho! through thy victorious erm, 
Again we breathe released from dire elarms. 
Along the sev'n famed hills direct thy eyes: 
From gold the sun’s reflected beams arise ;-« 
Upon triumphal arches spoils are placed ;4— 


With trophies rich the domes of temples graced ;-= 


And various treasures, gained where gloty smiled, 
In num'rous, lofty heaps around are piled. 

"The good by thee performed, astorished, view; 
From thee what services the city drew. 

The whole would’ truly be a fable still, 

Had Africa been left to ‘Gildo's will. — 


WHuENE'zR, from hostile blows, in wate of eld, 


A citizen was snatched by efforts bold, 

Who, quite exhausted, on the brink of death, 
Was panting seen about to yield his breath, 

A wreath of oak, the bright reward assigried, 
Was, round the vatiant hero’s temples, twined. 
But where, for thy exploits, the civick crowns r= 
The recompense for those reconquered towns ? 
To thee her people’s safety Rome avows ; 

Still more, to thy protection, she allows: 

Her former fame restored ;—the mind at regt? 
And pow'rs and kingdoms lost-—egain possessed. 
The Easr no longer sees, with haughty ‘pride, 
Ambassadors, the Roman prayer, deride, 


95 


150 


115 














113 


— "Those slaves puffed up, their arrogance maintaln,— 

For Libya taken, be inyplored in vain; | 

But, trusting Gabin youth, and thee their chief, 

The Latian anger finds at length relief. 120 
At Rome's command the standards were disclosed ; 

‘Khe magistrates for war on thee reposed ; 

The eagles waited, ready to proceed, 

Where'er, their course, the senators decreed. 

The consul-rebes to thee she freely brought : 12$ 

"The curule chair, for thy preferment, sought ; 

And, in the calends of immortal fame, 

With fondest ardour, placed thy favoured name. 

Though Rops she gave and warriours set in arms, 

The ancient freedom felt no vain alarms, 130 

Her former dignity she still maintained, 

And viewed with pleasure new dominions gained. 

Who e'er, for Latium, saw the Gallic field, 

Or toil of Senones,* rich harvests, yield? 

Or to the Tiber brought, from NonrTHERN Bear, 135 

Those crops, the ploughs of Ligonest prepare? 

Their produce now has lent the city aid, 

And equally the pow'r of Rome displayed, 

Her pristine character, te nations, shown, 

And tribute raised, to icy climes unknown. 149 
Ar length.th' imperial majesty was seen, 

Return with ev'ry dignity of mien ; 

A sudden paleness o'er the features spread, 

Of those who, Lybia, held awhile in dread ; 
Vor. M. P 


* People about Sens in France. 
+ People of Langres m Frutite. 





134 


The people’s judgment they with terrour viewed : 
By certain death their crimes would be pursued, 
If, back the Punick treasures, found to keep, 


145. 


Or what, from Sournern Gates, Rome used to reap. 


Here tyrants who, to various regions round, 


Their haughty answers gave, are trembling found ; 


The Forum sees, for trial, culprits near, 
Whom Africa of late surveyed with fear. 

-Froats Stilicho, once more receive, our climes, 
The virtues known to venerated times ; 
He seeks the reins of empire to restore, 
And usages revered in days of yore : 
Disdains the honours, proffered through dismay ; 
Lets Justice, in-her scales, offences weigh; — 
The venial error, favourably views : 
. Applauds the innocent ; but, guilt, pursues ; 
With clemency, each feeling bosom, cheers ; 
And excellence of old again appears. 

Bex xaTH a virtuous prince, whoe'er believes 
That servitude exists, himself deceives. 
Ne'er LiBerty displays a higher grace, 
Than under Ong, where piety we trace. 
The people's wishes and the senate's voice, 
th his commands, appear the monarch’s choice. 
To their desires; rewards for merit flow : 
His punishments, their inclinations, show ; 
The purple's lofty consequence he quits, 
And, all his acts to scrutiny, submits. 

Tuus Stilicho has taught our prince to reign; 
The fire of youth with caution to restrain ; 


Instilled pure prenapts in bis, tender mind : 
To Czsar always like a parent kind ; 


150 


155 


165 





115 


In war, against the foe, a shield secure ; 

In peace, the counsel, whose advice is sure. 

The filth removed, whence foul disgrace arose, 

The Roman ramparts, pristine times, disclose. 180 

The Consu-Pow’s, long trampled on the earth, 

A stranger nearly to her place of birth, 

By him restored, no more to torpor yields, 

With marks of horrour flies from servile fields ; 

. Resumes the seat within her native walls ; 185 
Triumphant Fares to Latium's soil recalls ; 

Again, the auspices, beholds around, 

Which, with her fixed in former days, were found ; 

And all her scattered limbs, so widely spread, 

At length are reunited to the head. 190 

O CousuL, image of the pow'rs on high, 

What city fondly claims thy watchful eye! 

Th’ ethereal canopy, through earth's wide space, 

To Rome's domain, can nought superior trace ; 

No sight, at once, can reach th’ extensive bound ;— 195 

No mind her charms ;—no tongue, her praises, sound. 

With sparkling gold, her splendid domes arise, 

And emulate the stars in lofty skies. 

Like high Olympus: zones, sev'n hills she shows ; 

"To arms and laws extensive empire owes ; 200 

With her, a cradle, Justice first obtained ; 

From sinall beginnings both the poles she gained ; 

. And wheresoe'er the Sun extends his course, 

From narrow limits widely spread her force. 

The Fates beheld her, in a single age, 203 

Successfully in num'rous wars engage ; 

Pe? 


116 


Tberian cities to her sceptre bow; - 

Sicilian towns, superior strength, allow ; 

The hardy Gauls, laid prostrate on the plaio ; 
The Carthaginians, vanquished on the mein; . 
To no disastrous slaughters she gave way ; 

‘No wounds, inflicted, filled her with dismey ; 

At Canne and where Trebia's water flows, 
Though overpow’red, yet breathing war she rose ; 
And when the foe, her ramparts, sought to gain, 


Dread flames to spread, she, armies, sent to Spain. 


Nor Ocraw's billows could her steps arrest, 

But through the rolling waves her rowers pressed, 
In distant regions she the Britons sought, 

. And, them to bend beneath ber banners, brought. 
"Tis she alone who, to her bosom, takes 

The diff 'rent nations that she captives makes ; 
In her no haughty sway the vanquished find, 

But all her actions show a parent kind ; 

The name of citizens the conquered bear, 

- And distant people easy fetters wear. 

In peace her favours fully we obtain ; 

Like fields paternal, view each foreign plain; 
Remove at will :— see Thulé’s distant shore ; 
Recesses, horrid thought of old, explore ; 


Drink waters from the Rhine : th’ Orontes' stream ; 


And, thus in union, one great nation, seem. 

The pow'r that Rome displays shall never end ; 
"Twas vice and pride made other kingdoms bend. 
: Majestick Athens thus at length gave way, 
‘When Sparta’s forces spread around dismay ; 

By Thebes the Jatter was in turn undone : 

Th’ Assyrian empire by the Medes o'errun ; 


210 


215 


220 


223 


230 


235 


117 


The Medes to Persians were obligéd to yield ; 
Tkese, Alexander vanquished in the field ; 
The Macedonians were at last pursued, 

And, by the Latins, equally subdued. 

But, Rome, the Sibyl’s auguries ensure, 

And Numa’s sacred mysteries secure. 

For her, great Jove, his thunder, hurls around ; 
Minerva’s Gorgon-shield is ready found ; 

The mystick flame of Vesta, here, remains; 
The city, Bacchus’ frantick rites, contains ; 
The mother of the gods, from Phrygian tow'rs, 
Transferred her lions to the Latian pow’rs. 
The Epidaurian* bither came to dwell, 

That he, diseases dire, might hence expel : 
Along the waves he drew his serpent-folds, 
And Tiber's isle, the sage physician, holds. 

O SriricaHo! thou clearly must descry, 
This city proves the care of pow rs on high; 
Thy shield protects the parent, whence arise 
The race'of princes and the chiefs we prize. 
Among those heroes of iminortal fame, 

Not one, beyond thyself, can favour claim. 


"T was here that first, his breath, Eucherius drew ; 
The mother raised him to the grandsire's view, 


Who, with delight, around the infant, twined 
The purple robes for royalty designed. 


Ron saw with joy the presage, FATE bestowed : 
The pledge of love, secure thy presence, showed. 


240 


245 


. $50 


260 


265 


° /Esculopius. See Suet. in Claud. c. 25. Ov. Met. L. xv. Fab. 50. . 


t Theodosius the Great, 


118 


Nor will ingratitude by thee be seen : 
The publick view thy steps with pleasing mien. 
The ancient annals of the state, o’errun : 
How oft to serve allies was war begun ! 270 
And num'rous realms, by Latian blood, obtained, 
For recompense the faithful monarchs gained. 
But ne'er so loud appeared the people's voice, 
As when thou prov'dst the object of their choice. 
What prince, from flatt'ry, e'er the name, has known, 275 
Of lord and father, made at once his own? 
Those honours thou repeatedly hast found, 
And, through the air, their echoes daily sound. 
O consul great! new titles are thy sbare: 
The race of Mars, thee master, now declare ; 280 
In Brutus e'en no gusts of anger rise; 
And, what no terrours could from Rome surprise, 
When LisERTY from ev'ry tongue was heard, 
On Stilicho, is gratefully conferred. 
'The people in the place their joy expressed : 285 
Thy name re echoed where th’ IuxoRTALSs rest. 
If in the Circus, decked with robes of gold ; 
. Or, scenes theatrick, anxious to behold ; 
Or, "mid the FoguM, raised in iv'ry chair, 
Decrees of sacred justice made thy care ; 290 
Or when before thy steps the AxEs move, 
And num’rous crowds around thee eager prove: 
Their wand'ring eyes, ne'er sated with the sight, 
Thy presence, always view with fond delight. 
Bur what loud plaudits from the senate spring! 295 
What joyful sounds along the welkin ring! 
Her pinions Victory sublimely spread, 
And, through her sacred domes, the hero, led. 


119 


O maid* revered ! with. verdant garlands.crowned, 


In trophies dressed, the realm’s protectress, found! 300 


Who seek'st alone, our rankling wounds, to heal, 


And mak’st us lightly ev’ry labour feel : 

Among the stars with crown Dict2Zawn graced, 

Or where the Lion’s summer rays are traced ; 

Jove's lofty sceptre ; or Minerva’s shield ; 

Or weary Mars reclining from the field : 

On Latium, goddess! constant smiles, bestow, 

And, to the senate’s prayers, attention, show. 

To thee let Stilicho oft, trophies, bear ; 

With him alone, to distant camps, repair ; 

Amid the battle’s rage, his arm, befriend ; 

And, to the council, him in robes, attend. 

With placid manners always he appeared ; 

His clemency, the vanquished nations, cheered ; 

Nor direful stains of cruelty were seen ; 

No haughty arrogance disgraced his mien ; 

Nor e'er the legions, by the hero led, 

O’er trembling cities, were allowed to spread ; 

But, consul true, when ended war’s fierce flame, 

Contentedly he, with the lictors, came; 

Nor sought the useless aid of arms around : 

The people’s love, a guard secure, he found. 
De ays disliking ; treasures at command; 

Of lib’ral heart, he gave with bounteous hand; 

But when, in camps, to gratify the sight, 

And yield a royal son-in-law delight, 

. His splendour, all with wonder had beheld,— 

What he for Rome reserved still more excelled. 


* Victory. 


S19; 


315 ^ 


390 


395 


. 120 


"Tis said, at Pallas' birth with Heav'nly pow'rs, 

Great Jove, on Rhodes’ proud domes, sent golden dhow rs ; 

When Bacchus, in paternal thigh began 

To move his limbs, with gold the Hermus ran; 

And greedy Midas, when he hunger bore, 

— Whate'er he touched was turned to precious ore. 

Qr truth or fable, thus are told the tales: .935 

With thee howe'er abundance more prevails, 

Than Hermus rolls, or Midas' fingers gain, 

Or from the THunpD’RER flows in floods of rain; 

Thy gifts and arms eclipse each glory passed, 

And all to come, with thine, shall neer be classed. 340 

Were flame to melt the massy wealth he gave, 

The plains would shine with golden lake and wave. 
Non less, engages Stilicho, thy care, 

Diana! queen of woods and star-decked air, 

'Ehou usest toil, to have our shows display 345 

'The most renowned among the beasts of prey ; 

And, on the highest top of Alpine rock, 

In council, call'st thy quiver-bearing flock, - 

Those chaste companions, scattered far and wide, 

The bew, awhile unheeded, laid aside: 350° 

No cov’ring o'er their arms and shoulders lies ; 

Their hands with javelins :—backs, with arrows, rise. 

Though void of ev'ry ornament of dress, 

Yet, charms most truly fair, the nymphs possess ; 

'Ehe dust and perspiration o'er their brow, |. 855 

A higher colour to the cheek, allow ; 

Nor virgin modesty, the sex, betrays, 

While, strength robust, each forcibly displays ; 

No twining ties, their lovely tresses, bind, 

But, down the neck, they. wanton unconfined ; 360 


191 


And, closely round, two folding girdles méet, 
To keep the robe from falling on the feet. 
Before companions of engaging ihieri, 
The fair Leontodamé first was séen : 
Her steps td tread, Nesrdphoné appeared, 365 
Upon the lofty Mounrt-Lyceus, feared ; 
And Thero who, on Menalus, with darts, 
To savage quadrupeds, death's pairi, imparts. 
In haste the ardent Britomartis came, - 
From heights of Crete that carry Ida’s name ; 370 
And fleet Lycasté, who so swiftly moves, 
That she, the rival of the zephyrs, proves. 
Two sisters, those to join, were quickly led: 
Strong Hecaérgé, held by beasts in dread, 
And Opis, dear to ev'ry bunter's breast : 374 
The birth of both the Scythian climes attest. 
These owe to DELos' Love and Nortruean Corp, 
The pow'r divine, which they, o'er forests, hold. 
Thus, forth sev'n leaders came, the rest to guide; 
More nymphs moved on to reach Diana’s side ; 380 
From high Taygetus a hundred flew ; 
The troop, from Cynthus’ top, as many drew ; 
Like numbers came from Ladon's virgin wave, 
The produce chaste that flowing waters gave. 
When these around Latona’s daughter pressed, 385 
Her female band, the goddesg thus addressed : 
** () Sisters! who, the matrimonial tie, 
« Like me, have always viewed with hateful eye, 
* Chaste swarms who range the lofty mountains ó'er, 
* And frozen summits rapidly explore, 390 
* Behold how emulous the gods appear, 
** In Italy, to deck the coming year; 
V or. II. Q d 





122 


* From all the.globe, what coursers, Neptune sends! - 
* My brother's lyre, the hero praises, lends. 
** Let us, to Stilicho, our favour show: 393 
'** "To such high merit, recompense, we owe; 
* No arrows this requires ;—in quivers, dry, 
* Closed up, awhile at rest, now let them lie; 
* Be ev ry bow suspended from the chase, 

* And victims’ blood, the Circus solely, grace. 400 
—.'* Away with eager darts: the monsters, keep, 
« That, from their fall, applause, the consul reap. 
In parties go ;—grcat expedition make : 
Where burning quicksands lie my way I'll take; 
* Lycast¢, born on Dicté's lofty brow, 405 
** And Opis, shall attend my footsteps now. 
Our course well bend across the arid sands; 
“ To others, beasts, gave Mauritanian lands; 
* These monsters fierce, alone this hero gains, 
* As tribute that a conqueror obtains. 410 
* While we, the savage race through Libya, seek, " 
** Do you, in Europe, search each wood and creek. 
* Tn. forests, free from fear, lct shepherds raise 
* "Their joyful accents, Stilicho to praise ; 
* ]lis sports let hills receive with loud applause, — 415 
Who made the cities happy by his laws." 
Turs said, from Alps’ high top with leaves spread o'er, 
Beyond the scas, her course, Diana bore; 
Stays drew the goddess’ car, conceived on high 
By humid Luna as she ranged the sky, 420 
Which she, from fruitful grottos, brought to light, , 
To gratify the queen of forests’ sight. 
Their perfect wl.iteness rivals driven snow ; - 
Upon their clouded brows, zold-branches glow ; 


» 
e * d 5 eb ea * 


. e 
123 

The horns aloft, like spreading beeches, stand ; 493^ 
And shining boughs, afar, their glare expand. 

The chariot-reins were left to Opis' cares ; 

Lycasté bore the golden nets and snares ; 

And dogs immortal of Molossian race, 

Ran barking round the car 'mid ether’s space: 430 
Five other nymphs (so Phcebe* had decrced,) . 

Like her in arms, were anxious to proceed : 

Through various regions eagerly they flew, 
And each, a sep'rate cohort with her, drew. 

The race canine, of various forms and kinds, 433 
From diff rent parts, displayed instinctive minds ; 

These, ardour bold and strength of tooth, disclose : 
Those, swift of foot: and soie, sagacious nose ; 

The rough-haired Cretan, and the SPanTAN thin, 
With anxious accents of resounding din ; . 440 
And Bairisu, famed, of daring spirit full, 

Intent to seize the dewlap of the bull. ; 
With hair dishevelled, Britomartis tricd | 
Dalmatian woods and Pindus’ craggy side. | 

' Leontodamé, thou encircledst dens 445 
Of beasts in Gaul: search'dst wcll the German fens : 
The Rhine's thick reeds, in which the huge wild boar, | 
With tusk by age in-curved, lies covered o'er. | 
Swift Mecaérgé ranged Alps’ cloudy steep :— 

The Apennines :—Garganus’ snow-clad heap. | 430 
With dogs, th' Iberian caverns, Thero traced, 

And, ugly bears, from dark recesses, chased, 


; Q 2 


* A name of Diana. 


124 


Whose throats imbrued with blood, the Tagua’ stream, 
To satiate, scarcely would sufficient seem, 

Now chilled with cold, beneath the Pyrenées, 45$ 
Lay hidden under leaves of neighb'ring trees. 

The hale Nebrophoné. her efforts made, 

O'er lofty hills that, Corsica, pervade, 

And those of Sicily, intent to gain 

The deer and timid kind to wear her chain. 460 
The forest's ornament which eharms the sight ; 

Amid the Circus, viewed with fond delight : 

Whate'er with pow'rful teeth spread terrours round ;— 
With noble manes, or horns, or bristles, found ;— 

^ '[he glories of the wood that, fear, maintained:— 465 
To bear the hunters’ fetters, were constrained. _ 

T escape, the cautious beasts no longer sought ; 

Without resistance, those robust were caught ; 

No more on speedy flight the swift relied : 

Some loudly groaned, in trammels closely tied ; 470 
In wooden cages others, captive, lay, 

And thus, from native scenes were borne away. 

In vain the workmen toiled to polish bars ; 

Rough beech and mountain-ash were used as spars; - 
And, o'er the prisons, raised with anxious haste, 475 
A verdant shade of leafy boughs was placed. 

The diff’rent vessels, laden deep with these, 

Through rivers moved, and o’er the surgy seas ; 

Pale grew the rowers, numbed with fright each hand; 
The pilot scarcely could his fears command. 480 
Q'er land, on wheels, a number were conveyed : 

The loaded wagons, mountain-spoils, displayed ; 

The lengthened train, that slowly onward moved, 

Along the publick ways, obstructive proved, 











123 


The savage beasts, now trembling bullocks drew; 485 

As food before, they met the captives’ view ; 

Back on their charge aft lopked the shudd'ring team, 

And, in their tarroyr, fain would quit the beam. 
MEANWHILE hright Phoebus’ sister had perrup, 


The Libyan regions scorched by sultry sun, . 499 
And, lions, got, superior to the sight, 
Which often put th’ Hesperides to flight;— —— P 


Their floating manes, high Atlas, filled with dread ;— 
'Mong Etbiopian herds, fell havock spread ;— 

Their direful roar, which reached the shepherds' ear, 49 
Chilled ev'ry bogom with horrifick fear. 

No lighted torches had deceived their eyes; 

No traps with god and branches for disguise ; 

No kid’s shrill cry, that piercing hunger grieved ; 

No pit, with treach rous fall, their steps deceived: 500 
They freely, chains, appeared ta take from choice, 
And, in the goddess’ fetters, to rejoice. 

At length tranquillity the pastures found, 

And, from their huts, the Maors saw safety round. 
Diana then the spotted Panthers brought, . $05 
With other beasts, in SouTHERN regions sought, 

And monstrous teeth, to tablets formes at wil, 

By steel divided with superior skill, 

In shining gold the consul’s name inlaid, 

To senators and crowd alike displayed. 510 
The wand’ring elephants, with great surprise, 

Deprived of tusks, are viewed by Indians’ eyes. 

On swarthy necks, her seat, the goddess took ; 

The iv'ry, firmly fixed, she sharply shook ; 

The roots gave way ; the bursting blood o'erflowed ; 515 
And, mouths disarmed, the gaping monsters showed. 


196 
These living wonders greatly she desired, 
By us might, 'mid our ramparts, be acquired ; 
But beasts so large, she feared, would slowly move, 
And cause delays that must unpleasant prove. 520 
Around the Libyan prey, the sailors now, 
Loud shouts, repeat, while, Tuscan waves, they plough. 
With tail turned back, and limbs of bulky size, 
Stretched out from stem to stern, the lion lies ; 
The vessel slowly, o’er the liquid main, 525 
A single monster scarcely can sustain. 
Hoarse roaring rises from th’ abyss profound ; 
The mighty whales, in shoals, assemble round ; 
The beasts terrestrial, Nereus wondring sees, : 
And owns that His can never equal these. 530 
Thus, o'er the Ruppy Drz», when Bacchus glides, 
With victor’s wreath, the helm, Silenus guides ; 
The Satyrs, at the oar, with labour row ; 
The Bacche, to their toil, attention show, 
To cheer them, on the hides of oxen, beat ; 535 
And vines and ivy twine each mast and seat. 
Upon the yards a serpent drunk reclines ; 
The lynxes skip on cables moist with wines ; 
And, on the sails unknown, with marked surprise, 
The tiger fixes steadily his eyes. 540 


4 THE 


GETIC WAR. 





PREFACE. 


A\s if aroused from sleep, where long resigned 
Again, with Roman choirs, our Muss, we find; 
Once more are heroes seen deserving praise, 
And Pheebus’ dome receives the poet’s lays. 
The consul’s Rops my verses here sustained, 
And Libya's realm by Stilicho regained ; 

Now let fresh echoes, through the temple, ring, 
While I his wars, and Gete prostrate, sing. 

His first success to me a statue* brought : 

In brass the senate, our resemblance, sought. 
The sacred honour, that the Sires desired, 
The sov'reign prince with readiness required. 
Consider fully, O Thalia! now, 

The rigid judgment that thou shouldst avow : 
To lofty recompeuse, bestowed in haste, 
May favour's loss—by talents oft be traced. 
Whene’er rewards abundant meet the eye, 
Propitious kindness they, to verse, deny. 


3 


10 


15 


* The emperors, Arcadius and Honorius, at the request of the 
Senate, had raised a statue of brass in honour of the poet. See the 


Life of Claudian prefixed. 


128 


Our features, in the Forum, raised to view, 


Will Censure arm, 'gainst lays, with rigour new. 


Howe'er, the, subject will my bosom cheer, 
And lend support to combat trembling fear. 
The high affection for the hero known, 

And pow'rs by Stilicho i in battle shown. 
Around have ears of gratitude seeured, 
-And me attention equally assured. 


20 


25 








WueEn seeking Colchis and Keta’s* shore, 
The Argo, seas unknown, crossed boldly or, 
And, spite of.rocks terrifick, dared the main, 
While fear appeared, in ev'ry breast, to reign, 
"Tis said that Tiphys, next the Heav'nly throne, ) E. 
The ship, with damage slight, preserved alone ;— 
Contrived from mountains dire the bark to keep, 

And ride in triumph on the wavy deep, 

With shifting stones the conflict dread to shun, 

And, from impending ills, to safety, run. 10 
The proud Symplegades, with wonder, viewed 
Themselves to earthly laws, by man, subdued: 
AY'ercome ;—each vessel now, their threat, derides, 

And tranquilly, along the borders, glides. 

If services like these, for Tiphys, claim 415 
A place conspicuous in the rolls of fame, 

What praises, Stilicho, shouldst thou receive, 

Who couldst, from foes, so many realins relieve ? 

Tuoucnu poets nay, Minerva’s labour, sing, 
Who, timber for the Argo, toiled to bging, 20 
And animated beams with boding voice, 
Felled "nid the Tmarian Tuunp’rEy’s forest choice : 
Though they (allowed to speak in lefty phrase,) | . 
May, “miracles. with strange predictiqns, blaze ;— 

Vor. II. R 


* eta, or /Ectes, king of Colchis, father to Medea, Calciope, ang ^ 
Absyrtus. S£E Or. Epist. vr. 50. & Valerius Flaceus, t. 43. 
L] 


130 


By verse o'er tender minds deception throw : 25 
The cruel Harpies, to the fancy, show ;— 
The dragon, stretched at length, with wakeful fold, 
To guard the ever-precious fleece of gold ;— 
The bulls with vokes that vivid flames surround ;— 
The furrows, fresh with shields that spread the ground ;— 
The armed battalions which the fallow yields ;— 
And germe of war that grows, like corn, in fields: 
Impartial Truru, howe'er the tales surprise, 
Shall, o’er those brilliant fictions, proudly rise. 
Can driving hungry Harpies from the board, 95 
A higher claim to lofty praise, afford, 
Than num rous Getic jaws, to overpow'r, 
Prepared, the bloód of Latium, to devour? 
Those earth-born troops that rise, shall I admire, 
Which breathe at morn, and, ere the eve, expire! 40 
And coldly-view the heaps of Gete dead, 
Whom fierce Bellona oft, with trophies, fed, 
Whose martial lives in camps had passed away, 
"Till all were seen, beneath the helmet, gray ? 
O Stiticho! by thee, from darkness drear, 45 
The realm relieved, passed forms again appear, 
And laws that long, in dungeons dire, remained, 
Now venture forth, their liberty regained ; 
The ancient powr, by magistrates, is shown, 
W hich lately lay, in’ wild confusion thrown; 50 
To thy strong arm^we'justly owe our breath, 
Which snatched us froln the menaces of DEATH ; 
And nations, overrun by TF'ATE's decree, 
At length, their domes and ficlds, regain through thee. 
No more, shut up by fear, like flocks in folds, - 53 
Our crops consumed by flames, the sight beholds ; 

















131 


Nor ask we flowing waves, with anxious vow, 
Awhile, delay of ruin, to allow ; 
No streams intreat, as on their course they bend, 


- A surgy fence, against the foe, to lend ; 60 
Nor sigh when clouds with swiftness pass away, 
And skies, unsafe serenity, display. . 


Rome, lately ravaged by plebeian pow’s, D 
Now tranquil feels and, boldly, shows her tow'rs. 
O parent long revered! at length arise; 65 
On gods depend who look with fav'ring eyes ; 
Away let trembling tears of age be cast: 
As long as both the Porrs, thy sway shall last, 
If o'er thee Lachesis should eer extend 
Those fatal pow' rs that in destruction end, ^70 
Then NATURE, mid the wreck around her hurled, 
By other laws, sball regulate the world : 
Turned floods of ''anais will, Egypt, lave ; 
The flowing Nile increase Mzxotis wave; 
Where Sor descends, the EAsTERN winds prevail ; 
In India's clime, arise the WesTERN gale; 
O'er Caucasus, the hot Sourn breezes blow ; 
And NongTHERN blasts spread Libya's sands with snow. 

Tue foe's fierce menaces, and omens drcar 
So often heard, no longer now appear. SQ 
In truth, not always, peace, possessed the sky; 
If we may speak, e’en trembled Jove on high, 
When huge Typhceus, grasping mountains dread 
With hundred hands, to brave the stars was led, 
And serpents that, around his temples, trailed, 85 
In AncTICK skies, th’ astonished Bears, assailed. 
What cause for wonder then should mortals find, 
If ills disturb the realms of human kind ?— 

R 2 


"t 


d 


132 


When brother-twins, to Aloéus traced, | 

The mighty Mars in heavy fetters, placcd ;— 90 
The starry way, to all but gods denied, 

By violence to seize, with boldness tried ;— 

And, in the war, three hills, plucked up by force, 

Which almost stopped the world's continued course? 
But rage excessive rarely mects success ; 95 
And hopes nefarious, joys, ne'cr long possess. 

The twins, that bore fierce Aloéus’ name, 

To prime of youthful vigour, never caine : 

While Otus, Pelion, strove to tear away, 

He fell a victim to the Gop or Day; 100 
And Ephialtes, weak and secking breath, 

Lct Ossa cross his side, which caused his death. 

- O' Roar! thy head now raise with fond delight, 
From lofty hills behold the foe in flight ; 

See how his few remaining forccs yield, 105 
And quit ingloriously th’ Italian ficld. 

How changed the countenance. hc first displayed, 
When, rushing on, dread menaces, he made, 

And, fully confident of triumph, swore, | 

By him that rules paternal Ister's shore, 110 
Aside his armour never sbould be thrust, 

"Till Latium's throne were leveled with the dust. 

O strange vicissitude of things and Fate! 

The hostile, savage bands, with hopcs elate, 

Their prey to make the lovely, Roman Farr: 115 
Now wives and babes their own, dishonour; bear ! 

The foe, who grasped the city's wealth, in thought, 

To bend beneath victorious arms, is brought ; 

And he, who tried, by gold's corrupting bane, 

Trom stanch fidelity our troops to gain, . + 1¢Q 











133 


By all deserted that composed his force, 
Disabled, swiftly back directs his course. 

RESENTMENT oer, let mercy sway the heart; 
BARBARIANS, who deservéd DrATH's paignant smart, 
"Tis glorions to forgive, when crouching low :— 125 
E'en pain to view a supplicating foe. 
What vengeance greater than, the haughty breast, 
Awhile puffed up, to see by fears oppressed ? 

And, enemies, behold that, spoils, obtained, 

At length, to suffer poverty, constrained ? 130 
This clemency, O Rome! which round thee glows, 
From other springs, not int'rest solely, flows. 

Thy cares humane allowed their eohorts flight, — 
Which, pressed by slaughter, might more fiercely fight. . 
Nor was it requisite that, near thy wall, . 135 
The Getic race should, as a nation; fall. 

May Jove far hence, DARBARIANS, drive away, 

And, Numa's temple, let them ne'er survey :— 

His care, the dome of Romulus, maintain, | . 
And guard the sacred rights from hands profane! — 140 

Ir wars of old, howe'er, I justly view, ) 
When, liberty, the senate truly knew, 3 ; 

To ev'ry quarter native soldiers moved, | 
And martial fame, their highest glory, proved ; 
Iu distant parts, beyond the liquid plain, |. 143 
They sought their strength to try and honour gain; 
The num'rous kings and chariots, captives made, 
As Fortunes favours, proudly were displayed. 
Yet when fierce storms assailed th’ Italian realm, 
And seemed, the city, bent to overwhelm, 150 
No silly favour then obtained a voice ; 

The publick safety fixed the Roman choice ; 


134 


- 


Not those who, bold temerity, would show, 

And tliink to triumph by a single blow, 
^ But one, whose prudence, circumstances, weighed, 
By no success elate, nor ills, dismayed ; 
Who knew, by turns, to curb or loose the rein, 
To seize the time, or eagerness restrain. 

Tuk able hand, whose skill from Pon flows, 
To treat diseases dire, more prudence shows ; 
In wounds about the heart, the depth he tries : 
With ev'ry care the instrument applies ; 
Oft fear, between his fingers, keeps the knife, 
Which, pressed too forward, might endanger life. 

IN ancient page is Curtus’ valour traced, 


155 


160 


165 


Who, from the Latian shores, fierce Pyrrhus chased; 


Not more the fame of Paul* and Marius rings, 


* Who dragged, with snow-white coursers, captive kings ; 


The Broopn of JÉacus, to flee, constrained, 
Meets higher praises than Jugurtha chained. 
‘Though Curius drove the monarch, weary grown, 
By Decius and Fabricius twice o'erthrown, 
Whose lofty!minds no bribes of gold could sway, 
No arms subdue, no faulty steps betray, 

Yet still the former fullest triumph gains, 

Who forced the hostile prince to leave our plains. 
But, loud as these heroick actions sound, 

'The claims of Stilicho are greater found. 

His arm has laid a martial nation low, 


Which rose beneath the Bear m Northern snow: 


Not Chaones, who breathe Epirus’ air, 
Nor e'en Molossi, who those regions share, 


* Paulus /Emilius. 


170 


180 





V 


135 


Nor, from Dodona, armies that invoke; 
With vain parade, their dugurising oak. 


First Fabius stopped, by slow and struggling course 


The Punick leader with tremendous force. 
Marcellus riext displayed the daring shield, 
And taught to vanquish in the open field. 
At length the third, the virtàous Scipió's toil, 
Constrained the chief to quit the Latian soil. 
A single Stilicho, howe'er we see, . 
Has now, against the foe, surpassed the THREE: 
The blust'rinpg Gete, by his conduct, bled, 
And, overpow'red, from Italy have fled. 
The hero's efforts were so well begun, : 
That, what the people wished, was quickly done. 
Through five long years; Ausonia saw with grief, 
No hope, from Pyrrhus' flames, to find relief. 
For thrice six springs, Massylian horses bore 
The Punick bands to waste our growing store ; 
And youth, that in the war received their birth, 
Drove Hannibal at last to native earth. 
Our active leader, here, the storm repressed, 
And, in a winter, all was laid to rest ; 
Again have summer smiles, the harvests, reared, 
And peace'and plenty equally appeared. 

'T nose years engaged with Hannibal in fight,: 
Or baughty Pyrrhus, why should I recite? 
Vile Spartacus, through all Ausonia, spread 
Destructive flames and devastation dread : 
In open plains against the consuls fought ; 
From camps, inactive gen'rals, captives, brought ; 
With slaves in arms, extended havock round, 
Aud, feeble eagles, trampled on the ground. 


190 


195 


200 


205 


210 


186 


We, scarcely knowing terrdur’s direful reign, 915 
Mid softest luxuries, at once complain, 
“If, from the plough, an ox away be borne, 
Or growing crops, by hostile bands, be torn. 
. No dungeons drear poured forth these martial foes, 
Nor came they from the SAN» designed for shows, 220 
Thessalians, Thracians, Moestans, all will own, 
What armies Stilicho has overthrown. 
- O’eR Heemus’ leafless brow, now thirty fold 
Has W ix TER's rage extended icy cold ; 
The Sprinc as oft, dissolving snows amassed, 295 
Has verdure fresh, around the mountains, cast : 
Since first the Getee left their place of birth, 
Where Cna&gLES's WA1N is seen above the earth, 
By Fate directed and th’ Iu wonRTALS' ire, 
The Ister, crossed to scatter havock dire, 930 
Commenced the train of ills that caused our toil, 
And fixed at length their feet on Thracian soil. 

THEN, like disease or pelting heil, they spread, 
Through bars and narrow ways, as FuRiEs led; 
The rapid streains and rugged rocks around, — 235 
A rampart vain against their course, were found. 
Nor Rhodopé, nor Athos’ lofty top, . 
Nor Hemus, could, the Thracians’ ruin, stop. 
They passed with ease the banks the Strymon laves ; 
The Bessi blamed the Haliacmon’s waves ; 240 
The Macedonians saw, with wond'ring sight, 
O'errun, above the clouds, Olympus’ height. ' 
With grief Thessalians, Tempé, viewed oppressed, 
And Qta's tow'ring rocks, by foes, possessed. 
Sperchius' current, and th' Enipeus' stream 245 
Which playful virgms, cherished waters, deem, 


137 


Became the fierce BarBartans’ fond repair, 
When inclination led to wash their hair. 
The Dryades could no protection gain, 
Against their course, from Pindus’ lofty chain ; 
Nor high Leucates, always clouded o’er, 
Security was found for Actium’s share. 
Thermopyle itself, renowned of old, 
That proved, against the Medes, a lasting hold, 
Assailed by this infuriate, savage mass, Q33 
A. single effort burst the famous pass. t 
The Sciron-rocks, where raging billows. fall ; 
‘The isthmus joining seas with length of wall ; 
Lechzum's narrow port, that bars pervade ; 
Were, by ferocious armies, open laid. °60 
Nor, Erymanthus, could thy leafy space, 
. Arcadian husbandmen in safety place; 
And, O Amyclz! thou beheld'st, with fear, 
Their horse, upon Taygetus, appear. 
For all these mountains high, the Alps, at last, 205 
Destruction dire among the Getz, cast ; 
At length, with noble triumph graced, the Po 
Avenged the num rous streams that wailed their blow. 
Th’ event, we now have viewed, has fully shown, 
That, o'er the ways of FATE, a veil is thrown. — 270 
Alps' barrier passed, what mind, a thought, possessed, 
That e'en a shade of Latium’s pow'r would rest : 
The City’s fall was rumoured cross the seas, 
Through distant Gaul, beyond the Pyrences. 
And babbling Fasz, with sable pinions spread, O75 
Collecting idle tales wherever led, 
Had scattered terrours dire the Ocean o'er, 
From Hercules’ high Prirzs to Britain's shore ; 

Vor. Il. | » 


i9 
Qt 
C 


138 


And Thulé, war's alarms, unuscd to hear, 
With apprehensions shook, beyond our sphere. 280 
BE ev ry fear to SourueRN GALEs resigned; 
May festive ears from ills not, pleasure, find? 
Or rather, griefs remembered, passed away, 
Increased delight, to breasts relieved, convey: : 
And as the sailors, tost on surgy main 285 
When set the Pleiades, joy port to gain: 
So Stilicho, to me, more great appears, 
If I compare success with former fears ; 
And tumults dread that lately raged around, 
To pain the heart, no longer now are found. 990 
W'ere walls, though raised on adamant's firm pow'rs, 
Not seen to fall like feeble, broken tow rs? 
And massy gates with iron clamps and frame, 
Thrown freely open when the Getz came? 
Nor closest palisades, nor ramparts steep, 295 
Their swift-foot horse away, were found to keep. 
Now some, in ships, embarked with anxious haste, 
Their hopes of safety on Sardinia placed, 
Or rocks of Corsica, that OcEAN laves, 
Where life might rest, secured by foaming waves. 300 
E'en Sicily, mistrusting shorcs too nigh, 
Desired to move, if Nature would comply — 
Th’ Ionian Deep, to scc more widely flow ;— 
And, further off, Pelorus’ summits go. 
The rich, their golden columns, viewed as nought, |. 30» 
And, caves of Zolus, for safety, sought. 
At length a heavy burden, treasure seemed ;— 
Een Av icr, other cares more weighty, deemed. 
As fear, by NATURE, is loquacious made; 
And can with easc the credulous persuade, 310 





Dire dreams and omens filled each vulgar breast, 
And fell prognosticks kept the mind from rest :-— 
Portentous flight of birds across the air ;— 
What lightning’s flash to mortals may declare ;— 
The Sibyl’ s verse, which marks, in ancient page; = 315 
The destiny of Rome from age to age ;— ' 
The Moow's eclipse that, terrour, spreads around ;— 
At night the sable shade o'er PuaBr found, 
Whose lengthened labour, tinkling metals aid, 
While howlings loud, the city-domes, pervade. 990 
Nor think they, Earrn’s obstructing Phoebus’ light 
Deprives his sister of her radiance bright ; 
But poisons dread, which from their sires descend, 
Thessalians, who, BARBARIAN camps, attend, 
Through ether’s sphere, have scattered far and wide, 385 
Which, LuN A's rays resplendent, turn aside. 
To signs in former years that marked the skies, 
O'erlooked in pehce, now, others, fright supplies: 
The bees in swarms abroad ;—large stones of hail ;— 
Without a cause, destructive flames prevail ;-- ‘330 
The comet, ne'er observed by mortal eye, | 
Unless some fell calamity be nigh, 
First seen arise where Sox unlocks the morn, 
With Cepheus | and his wife that HEAv'N adorn ; 
Then slowly pass the Lycaonian Bear; - 335 
The Getic WAIN pollute, with loosened heir ; 
Till, in the firmament, the dying fire 
Appears to languish and at length expire. 

Two wolves “howe’ er, before | the prince’s eyes 
As on he rode, met death and raised surprise: — 340 
Upon the troops they darted in the plain, 
And, wondrous prodigy! at once were slain 

S 2 ' 


- 140 


Both beasts, with sides laid open to the light, 
A human hand in each engaged the sight ; 
The righé in this ;—the Jeff in t'other ‘found : 345 
The fingers bending :—blood quite frcsh around. 
If anxiously the truth thou seek'st to know, 
These monsters, aug’ring Mars’ intentions, show 
The savage foe about to meet disgrace, 
And bite the dust before Honorius’ face. 350 
As these, from entrails, glowing life display, 
So Latium triumphs after Alps gave way. 
But Fear, which always seems the worst to view, 
Conclusions dire from ev'ry presage drew : 
Those bloody limbs, and wolyes from whence they came, 
Predicted empire lost, and Roman shame. 
Then years to come were counted ; when, with fright, 
The eyes discerned a single vulture's* flight, 
Which spread at once confusion over all, 
And indicated empire's early fall. 360 
A better augur Stilicho appeared ; | 
With pleasing hopes, despairing hearts, he cheered ; 
Amid the dubious signs that caused distress, 
‘Alone the hero prophesied success. 
* Be firm,” he cried, “ a little while sustain 363 
* What Fare decrees :—like women ne’er complain ; 
* The sailor's wailing, when dread tempests roar, 
** The vessel never rescues from the shore; 
* No plaintive sighs e'er angry waves assuage, 
“ Nor prayers avail when winds impetuous rage. — 370 


* Alluding to the twelve vultures, seen by Romulus, which the au- 
gurs had interprcted tu mean the twelve centuries that the city was 
'o last. 











141 


* Now, now let ev ry hand assistance lend ; 

“ For gen'ral safety anxiously confend : 

* The sails assist; the waters bale that flow; 

* Prepare the ropes; to skill obedience show. 

* Not wholly void of hope should we be seen, 375 
* Because the Getz, with perfidious tnmen, 

* Have seized the moment, Latium, to annoy, 

* While distant wars and Rhetia, troops, employ. 

* T should, with wonder, these BARBARIANS view, 

* By recent stratagem, or passage new, | $80 
“ Their footsteps press, through windmg paths unknown, 
“ And, Alps’ high summits, make at length their own. 

* But now the slaughter, twice, of tyrants dread, 

* Has all the secret passes open spread ; 

* By civil broils prepared, the narrow ways 383 
* No longer, bars to hostile forces, raise; | 

* "Through roads revealed by direful discord's flame, 

* The bands in arms of savage Gets came. 

* But instances the same, in ancient times, 

*« Howeer, were not unknown within our climes; $90 
* Ausonia, we confess, was oft assailed, 

“ Yet, o'er attacks, her vengeful sword prevailed. 

“ The fire, the Senones extended round, 

. * Within the authors’ blood extinction found. | 
* ‘To fury Teutonick, exposed of yore, 395 
* Rome's fetterg, presently the Cimbri wore. 

* "That glory's base, which dangers cannot move : 

* The greatest perils, double triumph, prove. 

* Why now look back as if intent on flight? 

* Why, t'wards the fields of Gaul, direct the sight? 400 
* With armies, leaving Latium far bebind, 

* A refuge seek on Arar's banks to find? 


142 
* To NonTHERN hordes, the city thus a prey, 
* The Rhone, the seat of empire, will display ; 
* And, when the head is seyered from the rest, 405 
* Existence, by the trunk, shall be possessed ! 
* ]f love of children in your bosoms rise ; 
* With like emotions, NATURE me supplies; | 
** The use, of arms, this breast, ne'er rendered steel: 
* Affection equally with you I feel; . —.. 410 
« Of pargnt, husband dear, the sacred name, . 
* That glows within your hearts, cheers mine the same. 
* But nought from honour shall this mind estrange, 
'" And lead my steps, the haunts of shame, to range; 


_£ Nor, recommending bold, audacious mien, 415 


* Will I, to shun the Taging stor:n,. be seen. . 

* Here dwell my precious babes ;—my cherished wife :— 

* A son-in-law, to ine more dear than life ; 

* No part that we concerns has left these walls: 

* With equal force the blow upon us falls; 490 

* O earth Italian! what my soul reveres, - 

* Preserve froin harm, amid impending fears, 

* Accord some short delay to ramparts round, 

** While I choice cohorts bring to trumpets' sound." 
THESE words relieved the people from dismay, 425 

And calmed the court, prepared to move away. 

Tien darkness fled ; her head Hesperia reared, 


. When, 'mid the danger, C.xsAR pledged appeared. 


SrRAIGUT, where, the Larius, verdant Olives shade, 
With tufted groves that, wmding shores, pervade, 430 
And waters fresh, like Nereus, motion, make, | 
A boat conveyed tbe hero o'er the lake. 

Then, spite of winter and inclement sky, 


. He climbed the rugged sides’ of mountains high. 





143 

"Tuus, from the fasting young, through deepest snows, 
In silent night, the furious lion goes ; 
His neck by frosts made rough ; and yellow mane 
In ties congealed, which icicles retain ; 
Nor death, nor cold, nor rain in torrents, heeds, 
While he, to gain the Lit'rER food, proceeds. 440 

T’warps NonTHERN realms, th’ Hyrcanian forest lies, 
Confining tracts where Rheetia's summits rise ; 
. Tbe Rhine and Danube hence derive thcir wave, 
And both the rivers, Latium’s empire, lave. 
At first but slender, gliding from the source, 445 
Yet, by and by,, they deepen in their course : 
Collecting smaller streams, as on they go, 
. And, floods and name conjoined, together flow. . 
'The Rhine, with bifold lip, his waters, pours 
Where Tethys’ billows wash the Cimbrian shores; 450 
Through five wide mouths, the Ister's surge is pressed, 
With Thracian Amphitrite, doomed to rest. , 
Both fit for oars ;—their frozén face for wheels ;— 
And each, to Mars and. boreas, partial feels, | 
But Rhetia’s bounds, that on Hesperia lie, .,.— 4535 
With craggy apex, strike aguiust the sky, 
And offer narrow paths, beheld with dread, 
‘Which scarcely human feet, in summer, tread. 
With ice quite stiff, have inany there been found, 
As if the horrid Gorgou prowled around; | 460 
Despairing numbers, where decp snows arise, - 
In one large, glacial heap, have closed their eyes; 
And often oxen, with their heavy wain, 
Together in the Wuitr Prorouxy have lain. 
At times the icy hill, with sudden tall, 465 
Below, has, dire destruction, burled-on all ; 


144 


^ 


And, when W ARM W rps have, loese foundations, moved. 
The sliding mass of earth has treach'rous proved. | 
TursE places Stilicho, with ardour bold 
And anxious step, passed o'er 'mid winters cold. 470 
A stranger here the god of rosy wine, 
And scarcely seen are Ceres' stores divine. 
Th’ heroick chief, content with humble fare, 
Iu haste procured while destined arms to bear, 
And cloak, by moisture made a heavy load, 475 
. His horse benumbed, forced on to gain the road. 
When Nicut around her pitchy garmeht spread, 
His weary limbs obtained no downy bed ; 
In caves of horrour, used by beasts of prey, 
Or rural huts, upon his shield he lay ; 480 
Pale stood the shepherd, while the man unknown, 
To babes with wonder by the wife was shown. 
In forests dread, these beds on rugged soil ; 
"This sleep in snow ; and cares ; and watchful toil ;— 
The universe, produced the quiet sought, 485 
And, to the empire, peace unlooked for, brought. 
O Rome! thy present safety may be traced, 
- To those drear sheds on Alpine summits placed. 
ASIDE now nations, faith of treaties, threw ; 
By Latian slaughters, fierce their armies grew: : 490 
O'erran the woods, Vindelici possessed, 2 
Aud, fertile fields of Noricum, oppressed. 
So slaves, by false communications, led, 
To think, beyond a doubt, their master dead, 
' Mid riot revel at the rumoured news, 495 
. The mansion void, for festive pleasure, use, 
In'wine and dancing all their hours employ, 
And give a loosencd rein to ev'ry joy : 


* 











14$ 


If Fortune waexpectedly restore 

The tyrant ford, so lately thought no more, — 
Aghast they stand, excess behold with fear, 
And all, a prey to conscious dread, appear. 

ThE rebels thus perceived, with great surpriee, 
The hero, famed, again before their eyes ; 

The prince, the Latian realm, and Rome entire, 
Seemed ali nm one bold bosom to respire. 

No marks of joy upon bis features rose ;— 

No. clouds of sadness spoke internal woes;— 
Nor was dejection from disaster seen ;— 

But, anger blended with majestick mien. 

Sucn countenance the great Alcides wore, 
Whene'er Eurystheus' orders, horrours, bore; 
Or similar when angry Jove on high, | 
With clouds of darkness, overspreads the sky. 


$00 


505 


$10 


* Has Getic war, your courage, raised ?" he cried, 515 


* And idly filled each breast with silly pride? 


* Rome, spite of FATE, will pow'r sufficient find, 


* To punish those, to turbulence, resigned. 

* With words howe'er I'll not detam you long: 
* From former ages, take examples strong. — 
* When Hannibal assailed th’ Ausonian walls, 


” 590 


'* And Canne, slaughters, viewed where Trebia falls ; 


‘s Emathian Philip, hope impelled in vain, : 

“ To try, while ills prevailed, our realm to gain. 
** The cruel insult, indignation, moved ; 

** The senators at once their firmness proved, 

* Though then superior dangers pressed around, 
* In which were, mighty citie$' int'rests, found. 
* Nor was the chastisement awhile delayed ; 


* Levinus, who, Rome’s banners, then displayed, 
T 


Vor. II. 


' $28 


580 


146 


* Against the Punick force, received command, 
** To punish Arr, who durst invade the land. 
** The order he obeyed with ev'ry haste ; 
* And Philip, (while unequal troops he placed, 
* With.pow'rful people, contest, to maintaih,) 535 
* By Latian forces vanquished in the plain, 
* Was taught the danger, greatness, to provoke, 
& Though grieved and writhing from disastrous stroke." . 
THESE cautions sage, the.threat'ning storm, repressed 
And, to defend the state, inspired each breast ; 540 
'The hero fixed the armament desired ; 
The proper aid, th' imperial realm required ; 
The number such as Italy might spare, 
Yet give the gen’ral no perplexing care. 
Nok less our cohorts, as the rumour spread, 545 
(Impelled by high regard for him, who led,) 
Ín haste, from various parts, their standards, reared, 
The sight of Stilicho, each bosom, cheered, 
From him all hearts expected full relief, 
And tears of joy succeeded those of grief. 550 
Tuus cattle, scattered o'er the forest wide, 
By storms dispersed, return from ev'ry side, 
When they; the keeper’s well known whistle, hear, 
In vales and meadows eager to appear, 
Direct their steps according to the voice, 555 
With lowing loud, to answer him, rejoice, 
And, where the list'ning ear the sound receives, 
At length the horns project through shady leaves. 
THE troops, that Rheetia lately found a shield, 
With spoils Vindelici were forced to yield, 560 
Ausonia to defend, repaired in haste: 
The legions came, on British confines placed, 








147 


Where they, fierce Scots, restrained by lofty. bars, 
And viewed the dying Pict with frightful scars. 
. Battalions too, by whom Sicambrians dread, 565 
The rebel Catti, and Cherusci, bled, . 
From Rhine secure, their footsteps hither bore, 
And terrour left alone to guard the shore. __ 
Will you the fact believe, O! future race ?— 
The Germans, who displayed undaunted face, . 570 
In former times, and whom our princes bold, 
With num'rous force, in bounds, could scarcely hold, 
Thus docile stand, obedient to the reins, 
That Stilicho, with steady hand, maintains, —_ 
Nor seek to tread on limits naked left : 
The soil, of garrisons’ defence, bereft ; 
To cross the stream, without, designs, appear, . 
And seem, in native fields, retained by fear. 
O Hero great, what excellence thy own, 
With thee Camillus may compare alone! . . 480 
Beneath his blows, the rage of Brennus dropped : 
By thine, the course of Alaric was stopped. 
You equally, by force divine, o'erpow' red 
The threat'ning ills that, round the city, low’red. 


But, later he upreared his vengeful hand, 635 - 


When all was plundered by the savage band ; 
While thou, thy country still in safety seen, 
Repell'dst the foe that showed destructive mien. 

O Fortune changed! how blessed our lot appears, 


Since thy return, each trembling bosom, cheers: . 590. 


Fresh vigour now, to ev'ry quarter, flows, 
And hope, in all th’ afflicted cities, glows!. 
T 2 


b e 


M. 





' 148 


Tur wife,* to Destrwy’s decrees resigned, 
Who sacrificed herself for husband kind, 
By Hercules’ superior band, ’tis said, 
. From dreary shades of death, to life, was led. 
The youth, by step-dame with imcestuous aim, 
A victim made, when he repulsed her flame, 
With herbs Circean, by Diana sought, 
Again, to breathe the vital air, was brought. 
And Crete beheld, if we the tale receive, 
Tbe yawning tomb, the son of Mmos leave: 
The body,T pointed out by birds’ shrill voice, 
An aged seer restored with juices choice; 
How strange !—the boy, in honey met his deatlr, 
And, from a serpent dread, recovered breath. 


INDEED thou didst not, ffom the gloom of night, 


A single mortal bring to realms of light, 

But various nations trembling with alarms, 
And num’rous cities, from Tartarian harms. 
That lucky day, a voice unknown proclaimed, 
To Rome, th’ arrival of the leader famed ; 
Loud plaudits echoed through the vaulted sky, 
Of triumph sure when Stilicho was nigh. 

But who can paint the joy Honorius knew, 
Or eager glow, that through the palace flew? 
From summits high of lofty tow'rs, our eyes 
Perceived a doubtful cloud of dust arise, 

But yet uncertain if the mist o'erspread 
Allies in arms, or 'foes beheld with dread. 
Inquietude pervaded ev'ry breast : 

The gen'ral silence, hopes and fears, expressed ; 


* Alcestis. t Hippolytus. [ Glaucus, 


605 


610 


615 


620 


140 

. Till, through the haze, the well known hero, gray, 

A star resembhng, burst with cheering ray. 

Shouts suddenly were beard on ev'ry side: 025 
^ He comes, he comes, see Stilicho !" they eried ; 
Alarm subsided: wide the pates were thrown ; 

Forth rushed the crowd, with pride the troops to own. 
No wrétched cohorts these, from mowing fields, - 
Whose novice hand, the javelin, feebly wields, . 630 
The sithe aside, 'rnid yellow barvests, placed ; 

Nor Ceres, from the harrow, armed in haste, 

Who tries, with awkward air, the shield to USE, 

Which fierce Bellona, with derision, views ; 

Nor new-made gen'rals, who loud clamour raise, 635 
That, want of merit, instantly betrays ; 

But, leading youth sincere, a chief was seen, 

The god of war, in conduct, heart, and mien. 

Ir confidence, within our breasts, revived ; 4 
Of hope the Gete seemed at once deprived, 640 
Whose heads, when Alps tbey passed, were in the skies, 
And ALL, they thought, to make an easy. prize. 

But when the foe, so many rivers, found; 

The num'rous cities, feneed with streams around ; 

Th’ unlooked for Foor; the CavALRYy in force; 6435 
On ev'ry part, by snares, pent up, his course: 

He burned with secret rage, and sadly grieved, 

That, his designs, Ausonia had deceived ; 

Rome, he beheld receding from his view, 

And nought bat pangs he, from th’ incursion, drew. 650 

Yet Alaric, concealing dread alarms, 

A council called of elders great in arms; 
With length of hair and furry skins o'erepread, 
The Geta fathers, to the senate, sped : 





150 


The scars of honour, on each brow, remained ; 655 
The spear in hand, their feeble steps, sustained : 
Still bearing arms, old age, for aid, relied ^ ~ 
On lofty weapons, as a staff, applied. 
Then one arose, of years, tor wisdom known, 
To whose advice regard was always shown ; 660 
Eyes fixed on earth; his head bereft of rest ; 
And, on the iv'ry prop, he forward pressed: - 
* Ir I,” said he, ** the number well have told, 
* Away bave thirty winters nearly rolled, 
** Since we o'erleaped the rapid Ister's course, 665 
* And braved, so many years, the Roman force. 
* But wer, O Alaric! thy troops ne'er placed 
** Where such alarming perils might be traced. 
* Believe an ancient friend, whose length of age 
* Has passed in fields amid the battle's ráge, 670 
** Who, oft in tender years, thy wish, supplied, 
* And, on thy boyish back, sinall quivers, tied, 
** Was wont parental kindnesses to show, 
* And, to thy shoulders, fit a little bow: 
* Who warned thee, faith of treaties, to maintain, — 675 
* In Thessaly, securely to remain. | 
* But youthful ardour, with impétuous sway, 
** From paths of prudence, hurried thee away. 
** O hear my prayer! avoid those dangers dire, 
* And, while far off the foe, from hence retire ; 680 
* With rapid movement, quit Hesperia's soil ; 
** Nor rashly risk, by seeking further spoil, 
** To lose thy booty, like the wolf in folds, 
* Which, former guilt to meet, the shepherd holds. 
* Why Tuscan vineyards always dost thou name? 685 
* To me, why Rome and Tiber's waves, the same? ' 


151 


* If truth we:learn from those in days of yore, 
* Not one, who-arms against the city bore, 
* Victorious laurels thence could ever take : 
* The gods, their sacred temples, ne'er forsake. 690 
*« ?Tis said that, on their foes, dread thunder flies, 
* And Rome receives protection from the skies, 
* But, if inclined, Olympus’ pow'r, to dare, 
* Of Stilicho, so much renowned, beware, 
* Who, all his might, against injustice, bends, . 695 
* And Fortune always, on his steps, attends. 
* Remember how, the num'rous Gets, dead, 
* In hateful piles he, o'er Arcadia, spread ; 
* The blood in torrents, by his legions, spilled, 
* Which, Grecian streams, with ruddy horrours, filled ; 
* And, had not favour, from the ORIENT throne, 
* By treachery procured, to thee been shown, 
*" Assuming laws to form a specious blind, 
** Thou, in the conflict, hadst thy life resigned.” 
WHILE thus the vet'ran talked without disguise, 705 
The' chief, upon him, kept infuriate eyes ; 
At length the. rage, tbat swelled his bosom, broke, 
And, flames of anger o'er his cheek, he spoke: 
** Yr not, by age devoid of vigour, left, 
* And, ev'ry manly sense, thy mind, bereft, 710 
* Which elaim indulgence, ne'er should Danube flow, . 
* And see these shameful words unpunished go. 
* Shall I, who, numrous C-zsars, put to flight, 
* Which Hebrus’ waters witnessed with delight: 
* Shall I, persuasions such as these, allow, 715 
* To whom all NATURE's regulations bow ? 
* We, who have mountains seen submiss]y lie 
* Beneath our feet, and rapid rivers dry ¢ 


152 


* The Getic gods and our forefather’ shade 

* Will ne'er, with adverse course, our steps, degrede. 720 
** These pleastag climes I'll firmly hold til death : 

“ The conquest not surrender, but with breath. 

** T’ve, mighty towns and nations, forced to yield ; 

‘¢ O'errun the Alps and Po with victor's shield ; 

* What yet remains to-call the world my own? 725 
** The city famed :—the domes of Rome alone. 

* F’en then our strength excited great surprise, 

** Though clearly ansupported by allies. 

* But now Illyricum, my laws, maintains, 

* And fully trusts these hands to guide the rems ; . 730 
* For me the Thracians, with laborious cere, 

* Darts, helmets, swords, abundantly prepare ; 

* And, towns long used to give the Latins aid, 

** In arms, my tributaries, 1 have made. 

* To me thus Destiny has favour shown; 739 
* The nations, yearly by my pow'rs o erthrown, 

* Our rigid orders, are compelled to take : 

** Themselves to hurt, war-instruments to make ; 

* Soft render steel, by fire and toilsome art, | 

* And, direfal weapons, ferge, with aking heart. — 740 
* Th’ I«MonTALs too, who, in high regions, - dwell, 

** To perseverance clearly, me, impel. 

* To us no dreams :—no birds, their pinions, rear; 

* But, from the wood, a voice we plainly hear, 

* Exclaim,—O Alaric! no more delay ; |. T45 
* This very year, now Latiuin's Alps give way, 

* E'en to the City penetrate shalt thou : 

* "Tis fixed, thy progress thither, to allow. 

- * What mind‘so-weak, when Heav'n's decree he hears, 
* To show reluctancy and doubtful fears :" 750 














\ e 


158 


Tuts said, his troops he cheered with prospects bright, 

Prepared to merch, and dare the sanguine’ fight. 
He fully, on the oracles, relied, 
Which filled his breast with rage and hauphity pride. 

O! Pow’rs Divine, pervading realms on bigh, 755 
Your answers alwaye dubiously apply ! e 
The truth is solely by the issue shown, 

And, to the augurs e'en, femains unknows. 

A stream, the Crry* called, (O strange surprise!) 
Upon Liguria's furthest limits, lies. . $60 
The Getie chieftain reached at langth the place, 

The theatre assigned to dire disgrace ; 

Th’ event explained th’ 3lusive words too late: 
Removed the mystick cloud, concealing FATE. 

However, Stilicho for fight prepared ; 765 
His ardour equally the cohorts shared ; a 
With rapid steps their march they forward pressed; - 
His eager bands, the hero -thus addressed : . 

' * Now, now, brave comrades, Latium's realms require, 
* For injuries received, your vengeful ire ; 770 
* Remove the horrours that, our prince, aggrieve : 

* The royal dome besieged, in haste relieve; — 

* Efface, with arms, the wound your hearts deplore, 

* On Alps inflicted and Timavus' shore. 

* Behold the foe that, in the Grecian field, 775 
“ Your overwhelming swords constrained to yield ; 


VoL. M. U 
Ó 
* The veetiges of Pollentia are 25 miles south-east of Turin. 
Urbs, (the Crry,) in the same neighbourhood, was a royal chase of 
the kings of Lombardy, and a small river which excused the predic- 
tion, * .penettahis ad uspem.” Cyupver. Atel. datig. tom. 1. 83, 85. 


|» «154 


* Not strength upholds him, but intestine jars, 

* Which plunged the universe in civil wars ; 

* While his deceit, of treaties, made a jest, 

_ And, falsehood, sold by turns to East and W sr. 780 
“ Be confident, that nations far and wide: 

* Fierce Britons ;—those from Rhine and Ister’s side ;— 
* All stand prepared, and anxious conduct show : 

** Stop future contests, Romans, by a blow; 

* Again let glory on Ausonia wait, 783 
ec And, with your shoulders, prop a tott'ring state ; 

‘* In this encounter vengeance shall be hurled : 

* A single triumph, peace, restore the world. 

** "Tis not in Thrace, where Hemus’ summits rise, 

*« That now the scene of bold contention lies ; 790 
* Nor are we placed where Menalus’ high shade 

* Appears th' Alpheus' borders to pervade. 

* Not Tegea, safety, thus our arms afford, 

* Nor, Argos to protect, we wield the sword : 

* Across th’ intestines, war pursues its course, —. 795 
* And seems, the very heart, intent to force. 

** Tet father Tiber, whence your sires arose, 

** Bencath the buckler's umbrage, find repose.” 

AurD the ranks, with cheering words like these, 
Now horse, now foot, the gen’ral sought to please, 800 
Their ardour raise, as well as foreign bands, 

To whom, with equal haste, he sent commands. 

- Obedient to the state th’ Alani proved : 

Where’er our trumpets called, they freely moved ; 

The chief * renowned, who led this nation bold, 805 
Taught death, for Latium, glorious to behold, 


* This was Saul, a Barbarian and a Pagap, who had served with 











155 


Though small his limbs, yet NATURE gave him fire, 
High mind, and eyes that flamed with furious ire. 
No part, without a hideous wound was seen ; 
The scars of honour overspread his mien; . 810 
A noble fierceness, ev'ry look displayed, 
Derived from furrows, hostile spears had made. 
When Stilicho his services required, 
Though far away, he hastened as desired : 
His squadrons eagerly he forward thrust, 813 
And, in the conflict, bit Ausonian dust. 
O happy warriour, worthy to obtain 
The praise of verse and blessed Elysium's plain ! 
Who burned unjust suspicions to efface, | 
And, with his blood, disproved detraction base. 820 

THE horse, when fell their leader, showed dismay ; 
The reins were turned: the troubled wings gave way; 
And, these cut off, the whole inclined to flight, 
When Stilicho with legions came in sight ; | 
The succours brought of foot were gladly viewed, — 825 
And, reinforced, the battle they renewed. 

W uo, highly favoured by the Sisters NINF, 
And, whom Apollo fires with pow'rs divine, 
The kindnesses, by Mars, bestowed that day, 
Our city's founder, fully can portray ? 830 
We ne'er more deeply made the Scythians feel 
The dire effects of Latium's pointed steel ; 

Ua2. 


distinguished reputation among the veteran generals of Theodosius the 
Great, though bis name is omitted by Claudian, while he thus cele- 
brates his virtue and fame. The battle took place on Easter duy 
(29 March) Aano Christ: 403. 


156 


Nor, by such slaughter, '"Faneis repelfed, 

Nor, haughty horns of Ister’s Borders, quelfed. 
With thirst of odious blood, the soldiers flew 895 
O'er costly garnients ; ears that, metal, dew ; 

Passed heaps of silver; havock, solely souglit ; - 

On riches trampled as beneath a thought. 

More charms had carnace than thé goldew 6fe: ——— 
To satiate rage, their naked swords they boré. 840 
The foe, before the troops, with wily ann, 
Threw Valens'* spoils and purple, torn from flanie ; 
The massy cups, that wretched Greeks resivned; 

From Corinth's ashes, statues showing Mix». 
The fatal plunder, scattered o'er thé way, 845 
In vain, they hoped, pursuit, awhile would stay : 
The monuments of grief, displayed around, 
To vengeance solely, greater spur were found. 
_ Tue people lately doomed to bear thé chat, 

In liberty, by arms, are placed again ; 850 
And all the nations, whom the savage fot, 

In fetters, forced’ to suffer poignant wo, 
At length, by slaughter of their tyrants, free, 
Imprint the grateful lip, with eager glee, 

On hands still bloody from the carnage dréar, 855 
And, domes beloved, regain, and childrén dear. 

The household wond'ring hear your suff rings told, 

And prodigies achieved by heroes bold. 

O Axaric! what sorrows rack thy breast, 

Those treasures lost, by thee of late possessed, 860 
The fruits of plunder gained through length of toil ; 
With howlings loud, thy wife laments the spoil, 


* The emperor Valens, alain in fight against the Barbarians. 





Hi 


Who} df suéd&té, 49 fhovoushio felted, ^^ c 
That she, hér Buster quidc with frewdel: pride — — 
For collars rich, that Latian ladies wear, . 865 


And Roman beauties, her commands, to bear : 
Already doubtless, virgins, she disdained, 
From Argus, Corinth, Sparta’s land, obtained. 
But Nemesis, who seeks proud schemes to bar, 
With indignation, turned aside her car. ” 870 
No longer, victory, the Gete: knew; 
.Distress and poverty around them flew ; 
And, in a single day, the Roman sword, 
Whate'er we lost in thirty years, restored. 

PorrreNTIA! to the latest times, my verse, 875 
Thy beaming glory, fondly shall rehearse ; 
Renown transcendent waits upon thy name, 
Designed for triumphs worthy rolls of fame, 
O soil! to hostile forces, fatal doom ! 
Remembered ever, as BARBARIANS’ tomb! 880 
Within those fields*, oft Latium, vengeance, sought, 
And to submission, mighty rivals, brought ; 
The Cimbri who, from Ocean’s utmost wave, 
Of old, burst lofty Alps, here found a grave. 
Both nations’ dust, let future times confound, 885 
And, with united trophies, mark the ground : 

* Here Cimbri, Gete, lie beneath the plain, 
* By pow'rful Stilicho and Marius, slain ; 


© The identity of the Cimbric and Getic fields must be understood 
(like Virgil’s Philippi, Georgic 1. 490.) according to the loose geogra- 
phy of a poet. Vercellz and Pollentia are 60 miles from each other; 
and the latitude is still greater, if. the Cimbri were defeated in the 
wide and barren plain of Verona. Marrei, Verona Illustrata, », i, 
P. $4—62, 


158 


** From these dread blows, O furious nations! learn, 
“* The Roman strength, distinctly to discern !" 890 


PANEGYRICK 


THE SIXTH CONSULSHIP 


HONORIUS. 


PREFACE. 


Eja cn wish that, through the day, pervades the mind, 
The sense retraces when to sleep resigned. 
The hunter, led his limbs at rest to lay, 
Still in idea seeks the beasts of prey ; 
The judge, contentions, hears; the cbarioteer b 
Imagines bounds, his horses try to clear; - 
The lover smiles in scenes of soft delight ; 
The sailor fancies rich exchange in sight ; 
The greedy miser, roused from slumbers deep, 
The visionary wealth, desires to reap; 19 
And, ’mid repose, the thirsty lip in vain, 
From icy spring, expects a sup to gain. 
ME, equally at night, the love of verse 
Inclines, my usual labours, to rehearse. 





160 


Amid th’ illusion, t'wards the starry sky, 15 
I, stanzas, bore to feet of Jove on high; 

And as, when Somnus, drowsy clouds, extends, 
Conception, favour to the image, lends, 

I thought the gods and sacred choirs around, 

Of their applause, my lings deserving, found, 20 
Enceladus o'ercome, engaged my strains, 

And huge Typhoeus, charged with heavy chains ; 
Oppressed by. ZEtua's wejg ght the former lies : 

Beneath Inarimé, the other sighs. 

The joy that, through Celestial regions, rang, 25 
When Jove, with Phlegra's Spoils, returned,—I sang. 
My dreams are proved ;—the vision justly smiled : 

No iv'ry* with deceit the truth beguiled ; 

Behold the prince ;—the domes of sov'reign pow'r: 
Aloft, like proud Olympus’ top, they towr; 30 
The venerated band that met tlre view ; 

Th’ [mmorrats, such my recollection drew ; 

SLEEP, nothing greater to the sense, could raise : 

"Fo me the palace, gods the same, displays. 


* Alluding to the two gates of Suze, the ene of Horn and the 
mer of Ivory. Dreams of trpth pass thraygh the farmers those pf 
false appearances, the latter. 


To Fortune, if our sires raised fanes of gold, 


When heroes, from the wars, returned of old, 

Did she, more sumptuous temples, e’er desire, 

For merit, greater recompense, require, 

Than when anew, to grace the coming year, 

Amid the city, Consul-robes appear? 

Nor in the field of Mars an urn ’s displayed, 

To which, through custom, useless tribute's paid ; 

No foreign image, to the sight, is shown, 

A shadow vain, that play alone would own. 

At length the palace sees the dress once more, 

That, with delight, the natives always wore ; 

And, Romulus, where Mars’ enclosure stands, 

Plebeians joining with heroick bands, - 

The god of war, amid his ficld*, renews 

The suffrages, that Rome with transport views. 

Such, such the year, Evander's hillt bestows 

On fav'ring birds], where Tiber's water flows ! 
Vor. II. X 


* Where the consuls were elected. t Mount Palatine, 


3 The twelve vultures. 


10 


15 


162 


If all the times, that bear the prince’s name, 

Have, by success, to augurs yielded fame, 

And V icronv has shown her smiling mien, 

Whene'er, before his steps, were Axes seen: 

What happy promises, on this, await, 

Conjoined the sov'reign and the city's state! 
For, like Chaldeans who, when planets rise, 

To highest regions of the vaulted skies, . 

And, beaming rays, expand through ether’s space, 

Felicity assured, to mortals, trace: 

The Zodiack thus that, Latium's palace, sways, 

Th’ imperial star aloft to Rome, displays ; 

The hopes of Italy engage the sight, 

And promised triumphs spread around delight. 
WueEN bright Apollo, altars to survey 

In Northern climes, from Delphi bears his ray, 

No vistues then Castalia's waters show : 


'The waves, like those from common sources, flow ; 


With vilest shrubs the Jaurel's honours sleep ; 
And grots deserted, mournful silence, keep. 
But if the beaming god of day arrives ;- 
If back his griffins in the yoke he drives; 
From Scytbia’s chilly confines, turns the rein, 
Aud, to survey the tripod, seeks again: 

hen caverns, woods, resume their former tone; 
Once more the fountains’ excellence is shown ; 
Religious horrour pours from limpid springs ; 
Through temples’ deep recesses, Ecuo rings; 
And, from the craggy rocks where learning lies, 
The oracles’ prognostications rise. 

To Palatine’s high mount, see homage flows! 
A god thercon, his constant smiles, bestows ; 


90 


30 


35 


40 


45 


50 





163 

The people hear, from ev'ry side, resound 
Predictions cheering, more delightful found, 
Than those of Delphi :—laurel-boughs divine, 
: Commands, receive, our standards to intwine.. 
No other residence was ever made, 
For those, whose pow’rs, the universe, pervade ; 
Such noble dignity no hill displays, 
Nor, equal magnitude of empire, sways. 
The lofty palace, tow’ring to the sky, 
Beholds below the courts of justice lie ; 
The num’rous temples round, and ramparts strong, 
That, to th’ immortal deities, belang; — 
The THunp’rer’s domes; suspended giant-race 
Upon the summit of Tarpeian space ; 
The sculptured doors; in air the banners spread ; 
The num’rous tow'rs that hide in clouds their head ; 
The columns girt with naval prows of brass ; 
The various buildings raised on terreous mass, 
The works of Nature joining human toils ;- 
And arcs of triumph decked with splendid spoils. 
The glare of metal strikes upon the sight, 
And sparkling gold o'erpow'rs with dazzling light. 

O Prince! rememb'rest thou, with fond desire, 
A child, thou ask/dst this mansion from thy sire? 
He, star divine! in all his life, ne'er proved 


65 


60 


More truly blessed, than when, with thee, he moved, . 


Amid the ramparts, Romulus had raised : 

Examples, imitated highly praised ; 

The citizens approached him, void of fear ; 

With these he jested: heard their harmless jeer ; 
X2 


164 . 


And equally the proud patrician's dome, 
Was seen to enter, or the humble home ; 
No haughty looks appeared upon his face, 
But all was affability and grace. 
When royal majesty, with lib'ral ease, 85 
Descends from grandeur's lofty height, to please, 
And mixes modestly with subjects round, 
The grateful people’s love is endless found. 
WHILE new to life, and yet, with splendid glare, 
No diadem was placed to bind thy bair, ^. 90 
Great Theodosius, thee his partner, made : 
Thy tender limbs in purple robes, displayed ; 
And, in his bosom triumphs to await, 
With care prepared thee to direct the state. oo 
The nations, who, their footsteps hither, beut, 95 
Of diff’rent tongues ;—the Persian nobles sent, 
Behcld- thee by thy sire, when peace they sought, 
The knee inclined, and fall submission brought. 
With thee beside him, lib'rel gifts he threw 
To those whose deeds of arms attention drew : 100 
In robes of state, to walls of sacred name, 
Where sat th’ assembled senators, he came, 
Held up, to Latian love, his precious boy, 
And, in affairs the heir, would fain employ. 
Then Rome’s firm roots, upon thy bosom, fixed, 105 
Increased in depth, and with the vitals mixed ; ° 
The city, in thy infancy revered, 
To thee, as youth advanced, mare dear appeared ; 
Nor lofty tow’rs, the Bosphorus displays, 
Could change thy mind, though seen in early days. 110 * 
And when thy royal sire, with playful air, 
The fav'rite walls, would tempt thee to declare, 





165 


Thou to thy brother leftst the EAsTERN throne, 

The treasures destined to become his own. 

* Let him,” thou criedst, ** the soft Assyrians sway : 115 
^ The shores where Nile and Tigris take their way; 

* And mine be Rome, th’ imperial domes that rise, 

The ancient realms, that beam in WESTERN skies.” 

O Princz! thy ardent wish accomplished stands : 
Another tyrant, crushed by FogzUNE's hands, 120 
For thee now Latium anxiously was sought ; 

And, when the troops a second time had fought, 

In haste thou, quitting palaces sublime, 

From Easr, repair'dst to Occ1DENTAL clime, 
Thy sire, to thee, intrusted empire's toils, 125 
Hesperia, twice regained from civil broils. 

Serena e'en, the Or1ENT skies, forsook, 

With thee her way through towns Illyrian, took : 

All dangers hraving, with a mother's mind, 

Watched Latium’s prince, to her a són, designed. . 130 
When Theodosius, doomed by FATE, repaired 

To azure skies, and starry splendour shared ;— 

While perils seemed, her cares, to overwhelm, 

Again she carried, to her uncle's realm, - : | 
To camps where, martial troops, her husband led, 135, 
The precious chargc, preserved from havock dread ; 
And, ’mid the anxious tenderness bestowed, 

The fond attentions, that the couple showed, 

The hero, Stilicho, from wedded charms, 

Received Honorius in his eager arms. 140 

How blessed thy sire, who could on thee rely 
For empire’s safety, when he soared on high! 

What joy, from Heav'n's ethereal range, to see 
His steps, that led to fame, pursued by thee ! 


166 
In Europe's plains and Libya's fertile fields, 
Two haughty enemies displayed their shields ; 
Mount Atlas gave, to savage Gildo, birth, 
And Alaric first breathed on Peucé's earth ; 
Their impious boldness often would engage, 
And seemingly contemn, thy father’s rage. 
The one, to Hebrus’ banks, confined his course, 
A rapid stream that flows from Thracian source ; 
The other, proudly spurning all commands, 


When war approached, refused to bring his bands; 


For treaties, showing openly disdain, 
Audaciously he seized the Libyan plain. 
Their chastisement, thy father fondly views, 
When, in remembrance, he, those feuds, pursues ; 
And triumphs in a son who, vengeance dire, 
Has taken on the foes, that raised his ire. 

Wits dreadful blow, Orestes’ falchion spilt 
ZEgisthus’ blood, to punish impious guilt ; 
But, if the crime, that raised his vengeful sword, 
To pious glory, doubtful claims, afford, 
A mother’s death, howe’er her faults might move, . 
Must, on the son, a blot for ever prove. 
Augustus sacrificed, to Ceesar’s shade, 
The foes who, hatred of the name, displayed ; 
With sanctity he vainly masked the stain : 
In floods of tears thc country wept the slain. 
But here the int'rests which, thy parent, wait, 
With those are blended, that attend the state : 
Secure is secu the publick safety now; 
A double laurel twines around thy brow ; 
The vengeance dire, for Theodosius, hurled, 
Has liberty at once restored the world. 


145 


150 


160 


165 


170 


175 








167 


WueEn Gildo, ogptive made, I lately sang, 
Pierian strings, my lyte Parnassian rang ; 
The Gete force, by Stilicho laid low, 

I sounded recently with tuneful bow ; 

The Muses now I anxiously invite, 

Thy coming to behold with fond delight, . 
Detail beginnings thy career has run, 

The battles fougbt, and glorious trophies won. 

Tu savage chieftaip, in Pollentia's field, 


By slaughter dread, constrained at length to yield, ' 


Though spared his life, (necessity's demand, ) 

And thinned the number of BARBARIAN band; - 

Forced Latium’s realm to quit; his riches lost ; 

At once from grandeur’s lofty summit tost ; 

Compelled the will of Fortune to obey : 

With ignominious shame, traced back his way. 
Tut pirate-vessel thus, on liquid plain, 

With plunder crammed, the fruit of impious gain, 

Awhile, the dread of seas, destroys the fleets : 

At length, a ship of force superior, meets ; 

Prepares, as usual, for the promised spoil, 

But soon perceives, how vain the bloody toil t 


Her sailors slaughtered ; spreading canvass torn ; | 


The rudder useless; yards in fragments borne; 


The sport of waves, and winds that, billows, sweep: 


At last is swallowed by the briny deep. 
So, from the city, Alaric removed, 
Ausonia, fled, his threats illusive proved. 
When he approached, the paths were open laid : 
Now difficulties ev'ry turn displayed ; 
Each pass, closed up, was pictured to his mind; 


And, streams of late contemned, he feared behind. 


.180 — 


185, 


195 


200 


205 


168 

Eripanus*, within his glassy grot, 
As yet a stranger to th’ eventful lot, 210 
Revolved huge cares, which pamed his anxious breast ;—~ 
The consequence of wars that, all, oppressed : 
. If Jove, the empire, would protection lend ?— 
Give peace to Rome ?—the Latian laws defend -— | 
Or, to their ancient liberties a foe, 215 
Again, like brutes of old, let mortals grow ? 
While high solicitude engaged his thought, 
To him, in haste a Naiad, tidings, brought ; 
Her hair hung loosely ; to his arms she ran, 
And, thus to speak, with eagerness began : . 920 

* Benotp this savage Alaric,” she cried, 
^ No longer triumphs gratity his pride; 
* Not such as lately on these borders seen : 
** With wonder, father, view his humbled mien ; 
* How sweet to count the few that now are found, 925 
** Of all his swarms, thu: overran the ground ! ! 
* Quit shades of grief; give lamentations or ; 
* And, pleasure to our sister nymphs, restore." 

WHEN this was said, the god, from humid cave, 
His brow raised high above the flowing wave ; 230 
The splendid horns of gold, that graced his head, 
On all the shores, a bright reflection spread. 
No humble reed, whence dewy drops distilled, 
The tresses’ place, about his temples, filled, 
A verdant shade th’ Heliades supplied, 9385 . 
And amber trickled down on ev'ry side. 
Upon his back, which huge extent displayed, 
An azure mantle's flowing folds were luid ; 


9 The river Po. 





169 


There Phaeton, with all around’ on fire; 
Appeared to drive the chariot of his sire ; . 949 
Hia bosom, on a pitcher, seemed: to rest, 
Amid the sfars- in: colours bright expressed. 
For Sor thereon; i: ether's lofty space, 
Was led himself, in various griefs, to tracé: 
To feathered swan the aged monarch*, change; — $46 
The sisters fond,-as: leafy trees arranged ; f 
And equally the stream that laved his son, 
When he, the thread of lift, had nearly rut. 
In icy space the charioteer remained ; | 
Tbe Hyades, their brother's footsteps; gained! ;- 250 
And, on his dutstretched wings; dld Cycnus lay, 
Companion, moistened by the Milky-way. 
Th’ Eridanus moved on, with bending course, 
To parts where SouTuERN: WrxDs extend' their fürce; - 
And paseed-below, where huge Orion stands, 255 
With sword that, starry splendour; far expands. 
The flowing god, in splendid- habit dressed; 
Beheld the Getz flee with fallen crest. — 

^ O Avaric! why thus in haste," he cried, 
“ Back steps to trace ?—dost thou a change decide? 260° 
* For thee, bas Italy no charms that please? 
** Thy horse, in Tiber's meads, not fed at ease, 
* As thou wert led to hope? nor has thy plough 
" Made furrows on Etruria's fertile brow? 
“ Wretch! worthy Hell's worst pains, with giant rage, 265 
‘* Durst thou, the city-of the gods, engage! 
* Nor Phaeton, by his disastrous fall, 
* Could, thy infuriate eagerness, appal, 

Vor. II. Y 


. Cycnus.- See Ov. Met. v11, Fab. 13. 


170 


* Who, from the lofty skies, by thunder cast, 
'* , Within our undulations, breathed his last, 970 
* While rashly he expected to command 
^ The flaming carbs of Heav'n, with mortal band, 
* And vainly fancied, beaming ligbt of day, 
** His earthly countenance would round display ! 
* Whoe'er, believe me, thinks Rome's spoils to gain, 975 
* As well may hope to guide the Solar rein." 

Turs said, he called, while raised above his wave, 
Ligurian streams, aud those that, Venice, lave: 
The clear Ticinus, and the Addua blue, 
Their humid; heads, from verdant borders, drew; 289 
Timavus’ floods, that from nine sources flow ; 
Swift Athesis ; and Mincius always slow. 
These jeered the fleeing Alaric aloud, 
And, back to peaceful meade, asked flocks to crowd. 
Now Pan, they called, from mount Lyceus’ lawns, 285 
The nimble Dryads and. the rustic Fauns. 

Veron too, thou gav st no pressure small 
To Latium’s triumph and the Getic fall ; 
Nor Asta's ramparts, nor Pollentia s field, 
More real glory to Ausonia yield. — 290 
Before those walls, no treaties sacred proved, 
- The savage chieftain, still ‘mid slaughters, moved ; 
In spite of hazards, tried, however late, 
By perils dire, to change.impendent Fare. 
In vain his fury !—perjuries were nought ;— 295 
The Destinizs denied whate'er he sought ; 
On carcasses of num'rous soldiers dead, 
Voracious birds, with eager hunger, fed ; 
The Athesis, unfriendly bodies, bore, 


And changed th’ Ionian floods to human gore. 300 








1771. 


The treaty broken, Stilicho, with haste, ^. 

To take the field, in order, forces, placed ; 

Away from Rome now danger too was far, 

The Po, with flowing stream, divided war. 

The hero, joy, received, the foe to find, 305 

Whom perfidy had marked, to brawls resigned; ' | 

With firm example, troops he forward thrust, 

In spite of burning heat and clouds of dust. 

His sword in hand, he flew from part to part ; 

Where'er required, prepared the dreadful dart ; 310 

If Latian soldiers, faint and weak, gave way, ' 

Th' auxiliaries he brought without delay, 

Who stood secure, and eagerly at length, 

He, Ister, overpow'red with kindred strength ; | 

The battle thus producing double gain, 315 

Since, by BARBARIANS, savage hordes were slain. 

O Alaric! how nearly had thy breath 

Been yielded up to Stilicho, in death ; 

But, ’mong th’ Alani, one imprudent son, 

By folly, marred the measures, well begun. 320 

Thou, nearly captive, press'dst thy weary steed, 

The whip with force appliedst to haste his speed. — - 

Nor feel we grief that thou hast fled our ire: 

Go, show how few have scaped from havock dire ; 

What numbers thou surviv'st of Danube's race; 345 

Proclaim our triumph by thy own disgrace! 
Howe’er, the slaughter dread around displayed 

Had aot his savage nature quite dismayed ; 

Some secret path o'er mountains steep he sought, 

Through which his vanquished forces might be brought, 330 

Y 2 


172 


Across the craggy rocks, desired to crawl, 

And enter Rhetia and the climes of Gaul. 

But Stilicho, who prudence great disclosed, 
With eager steps, his deep design, opposed ; 

For who, that mind divige, can eircucavent,— 

That vigilance, to guard the realm, intent? 

The hero’s plans were thoroughly concealed : 
The wily enemy's as oft revealed. 

The drift of Gete, straight the former knew, 
And, to prevent their schemes, his cohorts, drew. 
Tue foe, his ai, unable fo fulfil, 

"Mid trembling fears encamped on one small bill. 

Though bitter leaves his horse was forced to crop, 
And bark of trees could hunger scarcely stop ;— 

"Though dire disease, from meats putrescent, rpse, 


While summer's heat increased destructive woes ;— 


And haughty soldiers taunted him around ;— 


His babes, their captives, showed in fetters bound : 


Nor pestilence, nor FAuINE's hideous mien, 
Which, ev'ry horrour, added to the scene, _ 
Nor grief for richest plunder, borne away, 
Nor shame, nor rage for loss of valued prey, 
Nor insolence could dare hisn to the field, 
Where be, of late, so oft was forced to yield. 
The victor's wreath, no triumphs more attest, 
Than when the foe’s impuissance is confessed. 
AND now desertions, num’rous ev'ry hour, 
Left bare the camp, and rendered less his pow'r; 
Nor was sedition ip concealment held, 
But presently to open tumult awelled ; 
The horse and foot, alike possessed with fright, 
Threw off disguise and freely took to flight. 


a. 
Ld 


335 


345 


350 


355 


360 





173 


Their savage leader followed, full of rage, 

And war, against his troops, was seen to wage. 

Then prayers and tears he used, each called by name, 365 
Reminded them of fermer toils and fame, 

In vain, his bosom, offered to their steel ; 

The load of ills he fully seemed to feel ; 

And, in the soldiers deaf to all commands, 

Of ev'ry pow'r deprived he saw his hands. - 3 

Tue hoary father thus, on Hybla's top, 

With brass of Cybelé, seeks bees to stop, 

Tries tinkling sounds to call, while yet in view, 

The swarms that, rapid flight, from combs, pursue; 
At length exhausted with the silly noise, 375 
Laments the honey lost, his promised joys, 

The labourers that, old retreats, have left, 

And hives, of all their sweetest stores, bereft. 

Bur when, with slackened reins, grief’s poignant force 
Allowed his words again their wonted course, 380 
On Alpine heights he turned his humid eyes, 
The well known summits saw with heavy sighs, 
Fare’s thread bow changed! revolving in his breast, 
His present steps, and former entrance blessed. . 
A single word then fixed the battle's rage; 383 
Shook walls; each spear was ready to engage ; 
The craggy rocks, that high their apex reared, 
No obstacles deserving heed, appeared :— 
Now, void of hope, those hills beheld his face, 
Constrained, his daring inroad, back to trace. 390 
A last regard he, on Ausonia, threw, 
Which, from his lips, these words desponding, drew : 

* O Recion ! fatal to the Getz found, 
* With inauspicious auguries around, 


- “I 
Oo 


4 


174 


** The bloody desolation widely spread, 395 
* At length allow to sate thy vengeance dread. - '' 

* T, who above the world myself believed, 

* With smiles of Fortune on thy bounds received, 

* Now, like un exile driven from the state, 

* Condemned by laws that,'guilty crimes, await, 400 
** Am chased by foes, to direful rage resigned, 

* Whose breath is heard, so near they press behind. 

** ‘Thus wretched left, while :orroure fell prevail, 

* Which slaughter first, which last, shall I bewail ? 

* Not thou alone, Pollentia, giv'st me pain, 405 
** The logs of plundered treasures in thy plain, 

* This rig rous lot, Mars’ questionable care, 

** And fate of arms, I undismayed could bear, 

* Still round me cavalry and foot remained ; 

* With these conjoined the Apennines I gained, — 410 
. * High hills, th’ inhabitants affirm to run, 

* From where Liguria's confines ane begun, 

“ To Sicily, Pelorus’ tow'ring space, 

** Comprising fully all th’ Italian race, 

* The chain's continued range, two seas, divides, — 415 
‘© And reaches waves that lash on distant sides. 

“ My first intention, prompted by despair, 

* [ followed up, all dangers bent to dare, 

* Here took my course ;—those heights to travel o'er, 

** Exerted ev'ry nerve :—what could I more? 420 
* Myself would freely in the field expire, 

* The Roman realm involved in one dread fire ; 

* The vanquisher, who saw my parting breath, 

* Perhaps might, in the conflict, meet his death. 

* Yet, in their hands, were left not spoils alone, 425 
* But darling babes, and wives we fondly'own. | 


175 


* Een had I led these forces well prepared, 

* By Stilicho we risked to be insnared. . 

* Alas! bis stratagems how spread around : 

* Him always fata], has my glory found. 430 

“ While he pretended, sympathy, to show, 

* My people he disarmed without & blow, 

* And me, beyond the Po, forced war to move: 

* Oh! worse than slavery these treaties prove! 

“ The fearless strength of (iets then declined, 435 

* And I, to DrATH's decrees, my life resigned. 

** The victor's clemency displays such charms, 

“ Th’ effects our soldiers feel far more than arms. 

" Mars’ dangers greater prove, by peace when veiled ; 

“ And een myself at times,through frauds, have failed. 449 

* Now, where, for solace, —counsel, shall I fly? 

“ On comrades, less than foes, I can rely. 

“ Q! these companions, how J wish that all 

* Had, in the slaughter dread, been doomed to fall ! 

* For those, in bloody fight, who suffered death, 445 

* "Mid faithful service, yielded up their breath. 

* Far better perish by the stubborn steel, 

* Than, me their perfidy, allow to feel. 

* Does none bis firm fidelity display ? 

* My very kindred, angry, turn away. 450 

* Why hold I hated life r—where find a place, 

“ To hide the fragments saved from dire disgrace? _ 

“ What skies, from Stilicho, will spare my fears, 

“ Where sounds of Latium's pow’r ne'er grate our ears?" 
Tuis said, and Rome's dread eagles just in sight, 455 

With trembling, Alaric continued fight ; 

His cheek was pale; grim FaminF. nigh him seen; 

Grief’s livid spots oerspread bis wounded mien ; 


176 


And num'rous maladies, diseases fell. 

Around bim raging, vomited by Hell. 460 
‘THE learned priest thus, round the victim, turns- 

The od'rous torch that, pitch and brimstone, burns, 

The limbs, besprinkles with the holy dew, 

Invokes, with herbs to sacred uses trae, 

The cruel gods that he, to drive, prepares : 465 

To Jove and chaste Diana, offers prayers ; 

His hand aloft he raises o'er his head ; 

To SouTHerNn Ga es the torch inflamed is spread ; 

Away, in flight, repair, to distant climes, 

The dread enchantments, source of horrid crimes. 470 
Tn& senators, —plebeians too, desired, 

With eagerness, to see the prince admired ; 

Honorius' coming, though so oft delayed, 

Inquiries still, their ardent wish, displayed. 

With less accord our ancestors, of old, 475 

Sighed, 'mid the city, Trajan to behold, 

When he, the Dacians, to submission, brought ;— 

The furious NogTHERN hordes, obedience taught ;— 

Rops fixed on Hypanis ; ——M &otis' shore, | 

Constrained the laws of Latium to adore. 480 

Nor thou, for clemency and virtues, famed, 

O! Marcus Antoninus, Pius named, 

Wast by the people equally caressed, 

When in the temples they, regard, expressed, 

On thy return, with FonTUNE's favours, crowned, 485 

Hesperia, freed from fierce BARBARIANS round. 

The laurel wreaths, our armies then obtained, 

Were not, by those who led the coborts, gained ; 

A show’r of fire, from regions high, was shed : 

The horsés, scorched, with frightened warriours fled; 490. 











177 


The helmet, spear, and sword, by lightning's rays, 

Dissolved in vapour 'mid the glittring blaze. 

The fight was managed by the gods’ commands, 

The pow’rs above the skies, not mortal-hands ; 

Or Heav'nly forces, by Chaldean charms, 493 

On earth, perbaps, were drawn to carry arms: 

Or, I suppose, the piety displayed ^ '- 

By Marcus, fully gained the THunp'rEr’s aid. 

Nor would Olympus now have, help, denied, 

Had falt'ring strength appeared on Latium's side; — 500 

Dut Providence no disposition showed, 

To take, from soldiers, what to toil they owed, 

And let the lightning share the laurel crown, 

Designed for him whose virtues claimed renown. 

. Tue nobles sent, as oft returned the same: 505 

The answers clearly marked delay the aim; 

Till Rome, afflicted by the tardy way, . 

Burst forth from secret domes, disclosed her ray, 

And, by complaints her own, expressed with force, 

She overcame thy dilatory course: 510 
* © Prince!” she cried, ‘“ too long a mother's grief, 

“ To thee has looked in silence for relief. 

* What I, so ardently, desire to gain, 

* Shall thus Liguria constantly retain >— 

* The Rubicon, aside to turn our joy, $i 

* Shall, intervals, that give us pain, employ ?-— 

'* From Tiber's banks, divert that splendour bright, 

“ Which, with thy name, is sure to yield delight ? 

* Oh! was it not enough to slight applause, , 

* When Aírica again obeyed the laws, 590 
Vor. Il. Z | 


SS: 


178 


* And gave the city hope, the prince, to view? 

** Will, thy reluctant ears, no prayers subdue ? 

** Two chosen coursers, white as driven snow, 

* Have I prepared, the rem from thee, to know ;— 

* An arch erected of triumphal fame, 595 
'* Designed for consecration by thy name, 

* Where thou mightst enter, in the splendid dress ; 

** The monument eternally express, | 

- * To future times, the glorious battles won ; 

© Rebellious Libya by thy arms o'errun. . 530 
*¢ Already was prepared the sumptuous sight, 

* To please the TuuND'RER on Tarpeia’s height : 

* A noble fleet, in metal nicely made, 

* 'To plough the golden wave, by rowers' aid ; 

** Massylian cities, models well combined, 535 
** Before the victor's car, to move designed ; 

*5 'Then Triton, drawn by horses captive led, 

** And olive branches twined around his head ; 

* Encircling cohorts, with the weighty mass, 

"5 Of Atlas’ trembling form, a slave, in brass, 540 
“J ugurtha’s punishment designed to bear, 

** By force and arms obliged the chain to wear, 

** Not seized by Bocchus’ wiles nor Sylla's stroke: 

** Condemned to bend the neck beneath the yoke. 

** Such facts as these howe'er I'll not recall ; 543 
<< But shall the laurels gained by Getee-fall, 

** From me be borne to regions far away ?— 

** What places better can such wreaths display? 

** Thy former merits, those delays, accuse, 

** Aud conscious virtues longer won't refuse, 530 
* To let thee, favour to these ramparts, show, 

'f* Which, to thy lib'ral cares, existence owe, 


179 


* Now summer's sithes, a hundred fold, have mown 
** "The yellow harvests on Mount Ida grown ; 
* As oft the year, beneath a consul new, 555 
* Has games renewed, which none e'er twice can view ; 
* In twenty lustres, which to mem'ry rise, 
* Three diff'rent times, have Casars met my eyes; 
* But broils intestine then the cause appeared, 
‘© That, to their glory, trophies high were reared. 560 
** They doubtless proudly came to show their cars, 
* With Latian blood bedewed in civil wars. 
* Will any one believe, a mother kind, 
** To see her children weep, can pleasure find ? 
* If horrid tyrants yielded up their breath, . 665 
* Yet, pangs severe, I suffered by their death. 
* Though Casar, Gallic trophies, proudly showed, 
* He, silence to Pharsalia's triumph, owed. 
* For when fraternal troops in fight engage, 
* And banners known, war 'gainst each other wage, 570 
* Defeat is wretchedness, and those who gain 
“ ‘The victor's name, no honour thence obtain. 
* O prince! let glory take her ancient way: 
* Now, at my feet, those recompenses lay, 
** So long disused, which, wreaths to valour, yield, 575 — 
* When wrested from the foe in open field. 
* Each guilty triumph, let thy conquests blot, 
“ With rightful spoils, from fierce BARBARIANS got. 
* Why far away does pow’r imperial roam ?— 
* As if expulsed, the empire keep from home ? 580 
* My palaces, that gave, to others, name, _ 
“ Why thus neglected stands their ancient frame? 
Z 2 


- 


180 


'* Or confidently does the world believe, 
* No laws the universe can hence receive? 
“ Though fixed "mid skies remains the god of day, 585 
* Yet all is lighted by his beaming ray. 
** Did those, who dwelled beneath our roof of old, 
** The Rhine and Ister's reins more loosely hold? 
Did Tigris and Euphrates tremble less, 
When Medes and Indians, anxious to express — 590 
Desire of amity, my dome implored, 
With ardent prayers, that peace might be restored ? 
Those men, my walls possessed whom V 1RTUE chose : 
In turn to honours, by their worth, they rose: 
For Rome's affairs on rolls of consuls placed: — 595 
To publick voice, not blood, the series traced ; 
The Jtian race here, sprung from Nerva's sire ;— 
The Pr1us'*:— and Severus’ martial ire. 
O prince! amid this circle, let thy mien, © 
‘Again, by us, with highest joy be seen ;— 600 
The pomp displayed in former days renew, 
When, by thy sire, a boy thou metst our view ;— 
* Due homage pay thy youth, let Tiber's tide: 
* Thy consort's father moving by thy side." ° 

Witt accents mild, Honorius, silence, broke, 605 
And thus, her plaints to soften, kindly spoke : 

* © Goppzss! never shalt thou, cause tor grief, 
* Derive from my refusing thee relief: 
* [t would be great injustice to withdraw 
*: Attention from the mother of our law. 610 
* When Libya bowed, to prayers we then gave way, 
* (Complaints, like these unfounded, drop I pray,) 


* Marcus Antoninus Pius, 











181 


* Amid thy ramparts, in the curule chair, 

** Raised high was Stilicho, applause to share; ' 

** The consul for the prince appeared with grace: 615 
** The sire-in-law supplied the sov'reign's place. 

“© In him was I beheld; the truth I feel; 

* Exploits, not ties alone, his love, reveal. 

** T scarcely, with a hundred tongues, could tell, 

* For me,—the world,—his actions that excel. 520 
* To thee however, one, I will relate, 

** Which Fame perhaps has ne'er been led to state; 

*€ These eyes bear witness to the just applause : 

‘* Myself at once spectator and the cause. | 

** ‘The scourge, that Greece and Thrace, had overrun,625 
** Grown insolent by battles often won, 

** Who, bursting Alps, with frantick fury flew ;— 

** Troops, round Liguria's trembling cities, drew ;— 

«* The winter's frosts (to which, in native earth, 

* His savage forces were inured from birth,) 630 
** Of great advantage, to his projects, proved ; 

** Fierce threats were used ;—to form the siege he moved ; 
** Me, to confine ’mid broken walls, he thought: 

‘* Fond hopes to feed through dreadful terrours, sought ; 
** That, far from succours, and by fears beset, 635 
I might allow him, peace at will, to get. 

But not susceptive was my breast of fright ;— 
Convinced the gen'ral would be soon in sight, 

And mindful, Rome, of heroes dear to Fame, 

Who death preferred to loss of glory's name. 640 
The shades of night had overspread the skies: — : 
BarBARIAN fires, like stars, I saw arise; 

* The trump was heard, the first relief, to sound; 

** When Stilicho arrived from NonTHERN bound. 


4€ 


é¢ 


182 


* The foe, between us, howsoever, lay ; 645 

* His interposing army shut the way, 

* And held the bridge, that Addua's water laves, 

** Dividing banks with rapid, foaming waves. 

* How act?— Delay, should Latium's leader try ?— 

** The peril seemed an instant to deny. 650 

* Cross hostile ranks, should he a passage force ?— 

*5 The troops were few attendant on his course; 

* For numerous allies and cohorts brave, 

* He left behind, when us intent to save. 

* Thus placed in doubt, he thought bis army slow, 655 

** Their coming long, and wished to give the blow ; 

'* Inflamed by virtue and affection true, 

** Disdaining life while dangers rose to view, 

« With naked sword he pressed BARBARIAN band, 

* And,tents, like lightning burst with pow'rful hand. 660 
* Now to my mem'ry rise the poet's lays, 

* On Diomed, bestowing highest praise, 

‘© Who, confident Ulysses’ aid to reap, 

« Pierced Thracian camps where Rhesus lay asleep, 

* Amid his troops through feasts in torpor thrown :— 665 

* Dy treach'rous Dolon, to the quarter, shown; 

«* And, to the Grecians, captive horses, bore, 

** More fleet than winds that press the WESTERN shore; 

*« Their skins, if safely faith we may repose 

* On vaunting Muss, white as driven snows. 670 

** See ore, whom frauds nor sleep, no help, afford, 

* Who boldly opes a passage by his sword, 

« With blood besprinkled comes, the object won, 

** As much above the fame of Tydeus' son, 

* As day excels the night in charming smiles, 675 

* And open fight transcends insidious wiles. — 











183 


i 


* Besides, the foe, protection to provide, 
* High banks possessed upon the river's side; 
* And Rhesus, such defence had ne'er obtained 
** If, on the watch, he always had remained. 680 
** "T'was first in Thrace the vital air he drew: 
*€ That clime, from Alaric, now conquest, knew. 
** No darts, our hero, from his course, could move: 
'* No obstacles, the flowing waters prove. 
** So Cocles braved the threat'ning Tuscan band, — 685 
* While able, on the tott'ring bridge, to stand ; 
** ‘Then bore his buckler, cross the Tiber's wave, 
'* With which the city he, protection, gave ; 

* And, from the stream, while Tarquin stood aghast, 
‘* Back, look indignant, on Porsenna, cast. 690 
Our sire-in-law, swift Addua, traversed oer ; 
* But, when the other sought the surgy shore, 
* His back he, to th’ Etrurian force, disclosed : 
* To Getz, Stilicho, his heart, opposed. 
* O Rome! in learned circles, glory raise ; 695 
* Let eloquence portray the hero's praise ; 
^ And may applause reecho merits choice: 
“ Our parent worthy of the publick voice !” 

T urs said, in air Honorius’ banners flew ; 
Ravenna's ancient walls: were lost to view ; 700 
Behind,— the Po, and port which Nereus laves, 
By settled laws with adventitious waves ; 
Light ships, as runs the stream, now safely glide, 
And now return, conducted by the tide : 
The surge o'erflows, then quits the shores again, — 705 - 
Like Lunar pressures on the briny main. 
From Fanum's walls where Forrune’s temples rise, 
Th’ imperial sov'reign cast his eager cyes, 


4 





77] 


tr ae 


184 


Upon the craggy vale that lies below, 
In which, ’mid rocks, Metaurus’ waters flow, 710 
The mountain pierce, by means of human art: 
From thence across the living arch, depart ; 
Along the clefted path extend their course ; 
A passage to the Tuunp’RFr’s altars, force, 
And those in stone that high their summits rear, - 715 
Which shepherds, in the Apennines, revere, 
Affection led thee to Clitumnus’ stream, 
Those floods to Vicrory we sacred deem, . 
Which offer herds, with skins like Winter's snow, 
On Latium’s triumphs splendour to bestow. 720 
Nor did the fountain famed escape thy sight, 
Those prodigies that, scrutiny, invite : 
When reached with silent steps, all seems at rest ;— 
But, if ’mid noise, emotion, is expressed. 
Each wave, by Nature, can reflection raise ;— 795 
These imitate alone the human ways. 
From thence high Narnia, that o'erlooks the plain, 
Thy royal courser's steps were seen to gain, 
And, near, the stream that, sulph'rous surface, shows, 
From which the lofty city’s name arose ; 730 
Confined by dusky woods, the river glides : 
Beneath oak-foliage, laves two mountains’ sides ; 
With num’rous curves the waters onward move, 
And, always pale, in ev'ry flexure, prove. 
At length, in view, the Tiber's current came ;-— 735 
The arches sacred to triumphant Fame ; 
Huge monuments around the City placed, 
With which Honorius’ entry might be graced. 
As seeks the mother, with attentive care, 
Her girl, for promised wedlock to prepare, 740 





185 


When she, the lover, anxiously expects : 

With trembling hand the blooming fair, she decks í 

The robe and girdle smooths in which she’s dressed ; 

A verdant jasper, places on her breast; __ 

With costly ge ems, the flowing hair, confines ; 745 
A precious collar, round her neck, intwines ; 

And, to the ears, delightful pearl, suspends, 

That, elegancy, to the features, lends: 

So Rome, desirous thy regards to gain, 

Tried, for her hills, additions to obtain ; 750 
With fresh renowa more glorious still to rise, 

And, highest grandeur, offer to thy eyes; 

New ramparts, lately raised, diffused delight, 

Completed when the Getee caused affright ; 

Each hand, to labour, direful terrour taught ; 755 
The works, in haste, were to perfection brought ; 

And, wondrous change! old-age’s furrows wide, 

From peace derived, by war were laid aside ; 

Straight, tow’rs arose: a chain of walls was reared ; 
And,o'er the sev’n proud hills, youth's charms appeared.760 
The sky itself, propitious to our will, 
With soft serenity, seemed, air, to fill ; 

And, though the night effused incessant show’rs, 
Clouds fled the prince and So:z’s resplendent pow rs; 
For, prior days, dark vapours overspread, 765 
And, on earth's surface, heavy floods were shed. 

The moon, just new, was moist with SovruxnN gale. 
That, at thy coming, radiance might prevail. 

Fnoa where Mount Palatine's famed summit stands, 
To spacious paths, the Mélvian bridge commands, 770 
A crowd extended; and the domes on high 
Showed numbers gazing with impatient eye ; 

Vor. Il. 2A 





186 


The men through roads in undulations rolled ; 

The Fark, upon the roofs, thou mightst behold. 

By anxious youth was eager fervour shown, 775 
To view a prince, whose age was like their own. 

Rassed times, the OLD contemned, and joy expressed, 
That, with the present day, their eyes were blessed ; 

The sov'reign' s easy manners much they praised : 

His free access and mildness, wonder, raised; . 780 
The only Casar, senators to grace, 

Who let them take, before his chariot, place ; 

While young Eucherius, who on ev'ry side 

Is closely, to the royal blood, allied, 

And his imperial sister, rev'rence, claim, 785 
Attendant on à brother's lofty fame. 

So counselled Stilicho, with pious care, 

The youth, for triumphs, anxious to prepare, 

Who sought on greatness, honours. to bestow, 

Which he, to NATURE' ties, would never show. 790 
Old men, and those inature in reason's laws, 

Conferred upor his conduct high applause ; 

Distinctions clear from palace-scencs of yore : 

This, marks of C1T1zEN, those, TvRANTS, bore. 

The Farr, his cheeks, in admiration, eyed, 795 
By early years, with bloom delightful, dyed ; 

The diadem that, charming tresses, bound ; 

: The pearly consul-robe, his limbs, areund ; 

Those shoulders firm; and neck with em’ralds bright, 
From Ruppy:- SEA, that, Bacchus, e'en might spite. 800 
With modest blush the maid who, this, admires, 

Straight, information, from her murse, requires : 

** What mean those dragons, to the standards, faxed,- 

* With wide-spread mouths, mid Roman banners, mixed? 





187 


** Float they in air and, hissing, dart below, 803° 
* With open jaws upon the wily foe r” 
But when the troopers, clad in steel, she viewed, 
And horse in brass, inquiries were renewed : 
* These iron men, what nation ?—tell me, pray ; 
* Metallic coursere, where discovered ?—say. 810 
* Did Lemnos' god, tó metals, neighing give, | 
* And, for the combat, effigies that live ?" 
With joy 'mid fear her eager finger showed 
The plumes, that crests to Juno's peacock owed, 
And silk-bands, hanging down the horses’ necks, — 815 
Which played on sparkling ore that, trappings, decks. 

O! SmTILICHO, rewards for actions brave, 
By thee so oft deserved, then Fortune gave, 
When, in the city thou, with anxious eyes, 
Beheldst thy son-in-law triumphant rise,— 820 
In bloom of youth, the lofty chariot, grace ;— 
Which led thee, scenes in mem’ry, back to trace :— 
"Mid fears great Theodosius, at his death, 
Consigning thee his race with dying breath. 
Now num’rous virtues, for attentions kind, 825 
Assure thee grateful recompense to find. 
Thy faith preserved the trust with firmest hand, 
And tenderness sustained a child’s command. 

Turs, this the boy, amid the city's walls, - 
Who now, the Romans, to the Forum, calls, 830 
And, seated on his father's iv'ry throne, 
Reminds the senators of actions known ;— 
The cause of wars commenced :—the efforts made 
By Latium’s force, and marked success displayed ; 
To elders' judgment, as in days of old, 835 
Proceeds the fate of empire to unfold ; 

2A2 — 


188 


Without exaggeration, facts, reveals, 
And, nought, by means of artfyl phrase, conceals ; 
Of merit conscious, claiming highest praise, 
He seeks not worth by eloquence to raise. 840 
The prince, in (iabin gown, the nobles knew ; 
The senators in robes aroynd him drew : 
, Beneath his auspices the banners high, 
In floating air, were proudly seen to fly. 
To greet her lofty altars, Vict’ry came, 845 
The winged defence of Rome's imperial name, 
Who, richest splendour to th' assembly, showed, 
And great respect to holy places owed, 
Companion of thy camps, unwearied found, 
Her wish accomplished she perceived around, : 850 
The Romans, promised, thee with them to rest, 
And by herself for ever to be blessed. 

Tut Sacred Way, a name with truth bestowed, 
Thee, back conducted to thy sire's abode. 
The publick favour strongly then was shown, 8345 
Not won by gold among the people thrown, 
Nor treasures lavished in corruption's cause, 
Designed to purchase prostitute applause, 
But homage pure is to thy virtues paid, 
And by all hearts sincerity displayed. 860. 
No precious gifts can ever be obtained, 
To equal safety by affection gained. 
To distant regions let ambition go: 
No boons they seek who, life to kindness, owe. 

AMONG the citizens, what joy appears, 865 
When that high pow 'r is seen, each heart reveres! 
How sweet the recompense, the sov'reign lends, 
When royal purple to the people bends, 








.. 189 
Amid the theatre, where crowds arise: 
Plebeian plaudits reach the vaulted skies ; 870 
Like thunder, Ecno, all the welkin, fills, 
And sounds Aucustus through the sev'nfold hills. 
No here the horses solely take their round ; 
The tigers equally o'errun the ground ; 
The combatants, within the Circus, toil ; 875 
And Libyan blood is spilt in foreign soil. 
Battalions arined here often meet the view, 
In action regular, the charge pursue : 
With speed advance; or seem to hasten flight ; 
Mars' skill displayed gives every breast delight. 880 
When sounds the whip that, holds, the master's hand, . 
The warriours form, at once obey command ; 
Now close their flanks; aloft now raise the shield: 
The buckler hoarsely creaks as, steel, they wield ; 
The hollow notes, that from-the armour spring, 885 
By swords’ alternate beating, loudly ring. | 
Before the prince with sudden impulse now, 
Alike in union, all the cohorts bow ; | 
Then separate and, highest art to prove, 
With regularity through windings, move : 890 
The Mimotaur’s could scarcely equal those, 
Or bendings where Meander's water flows.” 
At length, by diffrent ways, returns the force, 
To where they first began their mazy course ; 
And Janus, underneath eternal bars, . 895 
Within his lasting gates, confining wars, 


* In these games of Honorius, the inhuman combats of gladiators | 
polluted, for the last time, the amphitheatre of Rome, Anno Christi, 
404. 


190 


To Peace presents voluptuous scenes of arms : 
Delightful image! free from direful harms. 

THE god, whose double front, choice garlands, shares, 
Now, lucky calends, for the year, prepares : 900 
The prince to Tiber, Brutus’ robes, displays, 

And, Romulus's ancient sceptre, sways; . 

Mount Palatine, so many ages passed, — 

With joy, the consul, views restored at last; — — 

— The curule chair is, to the Forum, known, 905 
Amid our ancestors so often shown; 
Again the lictor bears the golden Ro», 

Around the place disused, where Trajan trod ; 

While Getic wreaths, the six-fold Axxs, deck, 
Honorius stamps on vanquished Ister’s neck. 910 
Tuis year, which, birth from ancient cradle, draws, 

Let, all the passed, transcend, in just applause ; 

No foreign honours, distant climes bestow : 

The inchoations, from the senate, flow ; 

The opening rays at length Rome first behekl, 915 
Which Victory bestowed on troubles quelled. 

Let YEARS where private names alone are traced, 

And those Honorius' sire and Cxsans graced, 

In various places, far from hence away,— 

Their adoration, to the present, pay. 920 
Five consulships, O prince! let them revere ; 

May 'Turs, and those to come, alike be dear ;— 

The SixTH, now honoured with superior name, 

Excel the passed :—the plan for future aim! 








THE 


PRAISES OF SERENA. 


—— 


Say why, Calliope, so much delay, 
To crown Serena with Pierian bay? 
Dost thou suppose the boon, disdain, would share, 
Shouldst thou bedeck with wreaths the royal hair, 
Whence richest gems are, splendour, wont to show, — 5 
Procured from shores where Ruppy DBrrrows flow ?— 
If thou wert, flow'ry garlands, to infold, 
Not scorched by Doc-Star’s ray, nor pinched by Corp, 
Which, "mid eternal spring, Permessus laves, 
And nourishes with Aganippe's waves :— 10 
Where, Heliconian honey, bees obtain, 
For fature times, around the smiling plain. 

_ Dip ever virtues to a. Farr belong, 

More worthy to appear in poet’s song? 

Tue chaste Alcestis, Grecian pens relate, 15 
When, o'er her husband hung, impendent FATE, 
"To save the partner, she revered, from death, 
Without reluctance vielded up her breath. 
The Latin Muses, Tanaquil, have praised, | 
Whose skill in divination high was raised ;— 90: 
Famed Clcelia who, her freedom to redeem, 
Back anxious to repair, swam Tiber's stream ;— 


192 


And Claudia who, across those floods, conveyed, 
By hair, the bust that, Cybelé, portrayed. 

M xoNiA's ancient bard*, renowned in verse, 
Does he, achievements more sublime, rebearse ? 
When he, Charybdis, paints, where billows roll ;— 
The dogs of Sylla ;—Circé’s baneful bowl ; 
Antiphates, with hungry stomach, left ; 

Of hearing, — rowers in the ship bereft, 

While passing wily strains that Syrens try ; 
Huge Polyphemus roaring for his eye; 
Contemned Calypso; num'rous horrours drear, 
That one bright character might high appear ; : 
Those years of toil, 'nid wars and waves to move: 
All tend, a wife's fidelity, to prove, 

Let Claudia's bosom glow with pure delight, 
Confirmed her virtues in a goddess'T sight ; 
The ship's delay, and charge of impious shame, 
Are. cleared alike from inystery and blame. 

Let fair Penelope, with wily art, 

Illude the suitors who besiege her heart :— 

' Their prospects to deceive,—at night destroy 
The woven threads, by day her chief employ : 
Impuissant rivals! vainly you contend, 
Serena's glories greatly, such, transcend. 

Ir noble birth, for praise, prepare the course, 
And actions always back retrace their source : 
What blood more lofty ;—origin more high ;— 
Than when, on royalty, we can rely: 

No private house produced her to the view; ' 
No. narrow, humble dome, this goddess, knew. 


* Homer. . + t Cybele, 


30 


35 


40 


50 





193 


On thee, thy martial grandsire, fame, bestows, 
From whom thy uncle Theodosius rose ; 
On British seas his‘banners bore alarms, 55 
And spread dismay among Geetulian arms. 
Cornelia, Scipio's child, restrain thy tongue, 
On trophies, from the Libyan contests, sprung. — , 
Serena, thou, from double worlds, canst show 
The laurel wreaths, from ancestors, that flow : 60 
Here Caledonian spoils around thee rise ; 
There, honours gained beneath the SouTHERN skies. 
Nor yet this house began the realm to sway, 
Ere, thee, Lucina offered to the day. 
Resplendence bright !—the moment of thy bisth 65 
Made Theodosius ruler o'er the earth. 
O Spain !—what worth within thy regions choice, 
Deserving praises from the human volce! 
The Sun, at early dawn first India views ; 
Thou wetst at eve his coursers with thy dews ; 70 
The Stars fatigued, as through air's space they bend, 
To seek refreshment, in thy waves descend. 
How rich in horses, precious ores, and corn !— 
The best of princes, empire to adorn: 
The world, famed Trajan, to Iberia, owed ; 78 
The JElian* race, from those dominions, flowed ; 
And thence the elder Theodosius came : 
The brotherst now, with diadems, the Same. 
From other nations, brought beneath our laws, 
By arms or treaties, Rome, assistance, draws j $0 
Vox. II. 2B 


* The emperors Trajan and Adriat. 
- * Areadius and Honorius. 


Me 
Ae 74 


194 


Rich fruits gives Egypt; corn, the Punick field, 
Designed, the troops, abundant food, to yield ; 

Gaul sends us men of strength, with pow'rful swords ; 
Laborious Honsr, Illyricum affords ; 

Iberia solely, to the Latian realm, 85 
Contributed the Czsars at the helm. 


^ Corn, metal, soldiers, come from ev'ry side: 


For us the CuosEN move through regions wide ; 
Tis Spain alone brings rulers for the earth ;— 
Yet, not content to give those heroes birth, 90 
She, mothers, equally desired to show, | 
From her domains, alike two sexes flow, 
Flaccilla*, MaryfT, both, this glory share, 
Thence take beginning, and Serena fair. | 
To thee when, breath, first Pow'us IMMORTAL gave,95 
The Tagus laved'the meads with golden wave; 
Gallicia showed gay flow'rs; the Douro's shore, 
' Mid roses, flocks with purple, coloured o'er. 
Upon Cautabria's coast, where surges reign, 
'The pearly gem was cast by troubled main; 100 
Nor pale Asturian longer sought to try 
His efforts,—- wand'ring o'er the mountains high ; 
Thy birth to grace, from ev'ry quarter, gold, 
Along the earth, at thy appearance, rolled ; 
From caves of Pyrenées, the Nympus or STREAMS 105 
Collected precious stone that, lightning, beams ; 
In moving floods the Nereids, docile seen, 
With loudest plaudits, thee, confesscd their«gueen ; 


* Mother of Honorius. 
+ Daughter of Serene and Stilicho, and married to Honorius. 


~ ee att 





195 


Auspicious verses eagerly: they sang, 

And, accents, with thy future nuptials, rang. 
TuEn Stilicho, in distant region, grew ; 

His infant days, no promised blisses, knew ; 

Far off, in climes remote, the Fares, a wife, 

For him prepared: the eharm to bless his life. 
No mortal nurse, around thy cradle, pressed : 

The Hora, first, bestowed their fragrant breast ; 

Unveiled the Graces three, thee, fondly sought, 

And clasping to their bosom, accents, tauglit. 

Where'er thou crepst along the verdant lawn, 

'The roses bloomed, the lilies' smiles were drawn. 

If wrapped by balmy sleep in soft repose, 

From grassy sod, the purple vilet rose, 


And gentle Sprine, the choicest flow'rets, spread, 


To form the image of a royal bed. 

Wuen, presages like these, thy mother saw, 
Conclusions flatt’ring scarcely durst she draw ; 
To air alone, het sighs, the wish, revealed, 
And, under timid hope, success, concealed. 
Thy sire, Honorius*, thee with fondness, bore ; 
Oft Theodosius, ere he purple wore, 


Would, to his brother’s house, with freedom, skip, 


And, tender kisses, press upori thy lip : 
Then, in his eager arms, he, from thy home, 
With ev'ry joy, conveyed thee to his dome. 
Upon thy mother turn'dst thou eyes in tears, 


And thus, ’mid sobs, express'dst thy childish fears : 
2Be | 


Pl 


110 


115^ 


130 


135 


® The brother of the great Theodosius, not the emperor Honorius, 


196 . 


* Why vainly seeks he always some pretence, 

^ From native hausehold gods, to bear me hence =” 
Upon thy fault in play, an omen hung, 

And happy auspices on infant tongue. 140 

To realms of death, at length thy father, flown, 

This uncle famed adopted thee his own ; 

Assuaging grief, a brother's child he showed 

Like care, as on his offspring he bestowed. 

Nor seen was love of old, with closer ties, . 145 
Between Laconian Leda's sons to rise. 

. Regard singere great Theodosius led 

To give his son the name of brother dead, 

Whose image thence would often be retraced, 

And, full in mem'ry's hallowed page, be placed. 150 
At length when he became th’ imperial choice, 

And empire's reins were subject to his voice, 

Then, with his sons, affection to divide, 

"Till thy arrival equally denied, 

"T hee and thy sister, to the Or1ENT shore, 155 
His wishes, from Iberia’s district, bore. 

Now Tagus’ banks were quickly lost to view, 
West-Wiwps, the ship t'wards EAsTERN cities, blew ;— 
Two virgin daughters of a brothers race :— 
Thermantia,—first ;— Serena, youngest grace ; 160 
Unwedded both; nor yet by Hymen seen, 

To yield their snow-white pecks to Paphos’ queen ; 
Alike emotion sparkled in their eyes, 
And blushing cheeks disclosed carnation-dyes. 

'Tuus chaste Diana and her sister, known 163 
To spring from Jove's prolifick brain alone, 

When they, their uncle's palace, seek to gain, 
W hose trident rules the undulating main, 








197 


The foaming billows, to their steps, give way: 
Pert Galatea quits her sportive play ; 
Whatever ardour, Triton’s bosom, heaves, 
The coy Cymothoé he quiet leaves ; 
Attention, MoprsTv desires to keep, 
Commanding rigid manners o'er the DEEP ; 
And Proteus orders Neptune's monsters base, 
To stay awhile their feculent embrace. 
So those fair sisters to the court repair, 
Their sceptre-bearing parent's love to share, 
Who, each, caresses like a father kind, 
Yet, most his smiles, Serena seems to find. 
And oft as things of magnitude oppressed ' 
The sov'reign's mind, or fired with rage his breast, 
When both Arcadius and Honorius fled 
Their angry sire ;—Flaccilla e'en with dread 
Beheld her husband's ire :—then solely thou 
Couldst frowns remove that hung upon his brow; 
Thy mild discourse would, o'er his senses, steal, 
And prove the faithful balm each wound to heal. 
Thy steady prudence, which sublime appears, 
Combined with age, surmounted girlish years, 
Iw vain does Homer, lavish of his praise, .- 
Alcinous' daughter, to Diana, raise, 
Who, spreading clothes, to dry, upon the ground, 
Was dancing with her maids the joyous round, 
The golden ball,-in quick vibrations, threw : 
When, on a sudden, pale at once she grew, 
To see, from leafy grove, Ulysses peep, 
Where, after shipwreck, be experienced sleep. 
PrrRIAN works and ancient poets’ verse 
Delight thy leisure with their numbers terse ; 


170 


175 


180 


190 


195 - 


200 


198 


. Thou turnest o'er those lines the Grecian sang, 
And, sounds, repeat'st which Mantuan Virgil rang: 
Despisest Helen, as unfit to live; 
And scarcely ventur'st Dido to forgive. 
Thy modest mind has purer models viewed :— 205 
Laodamia, who, to SHADEs, pursued 
Protesilaus ;— Cap aneus' dear wife*, 
Who, flames with husband dead, preferred to life : 
And fair Lucretia, resting on the sword, 
That could, revenge, to chastity, afford, 210 
Who, by her wound, the tyrant's crime, disclosed ;— 
To war's just rage, her countrymen, disposed : 
Base Tarquin banished ;—and, with yielding breath, 
Her shame, and liberty, avenged in death. 
Unceasingly those actions fix thy sight ; 215 
Not less thy virtue, but with lot more bright. 
Aw» now the age for wedded ties, arrived, 
Doubts overhung whate'er the court contrived ; 
Great Theodosius wished to give his voice, 
For him most worthy of Serena's choice. 220 
Tue Muses’ page details, that kings of old, 
Contentions, for their daughters, would behold ; 
The bloody combat, view with cruel eyes ; 
Each suitor braving death to gain the prize; 
And, with barbarian joy, their transports, show, 225 
To see, by death, ambitious hopes, laid low. 
Away from bold CEnomaus’ arrows dread, 
In nuptial chariot, swiftly Pelops fled ; 
Perfidious Myrtilus, deceit, displayed, 
And, fixing wheels, his sovereign's cause betrayed. 230 


. Evad ne. 





199 


Hippomenes, 'mid fear, with golden fruit, 

O'er Scheneus daughter*, triumphed, whose pursuit, 

With car and ready sword, his footsteps, pressed, 

Her course so much rapidity possessed. | 

From lofty ramparts Calydon perceived 935 

What Hercules 'gainst struggling STREAM? achieved ; 

The Ligh reward was Dejanira's charms: 

Soon panting, Achelous felt alarms, 

Changed colour, back his safety sought in flight. 

O'erpow'red at length by great Alcides might; 040 

To bind his wounds the Nyarpus astonished flew: 

With horn wrenched off, quite pale the River grew. 
SERENA's hand, on Stilicho bestowed, 

To no Hesperides’ gold fruit, he owed ; 

Nor to a STREAM o'ercome by potent force ; 945 


Nor sire-in-law deceived hy chariot's course; 
But worth that Cesar viewed in battle tried, 


And virtues meriting a royal bride. 
Ort chiefs in camp gave garlands of renown ;— 
Who scaled the walls received a mural crown; 250 
If citizen were snatched from fatal stroke, 
In war, the hero gained a wreath of oak ; 
Who first on seas attained the hostile prow, 
A Twine of honour, beaked, adorned his brow ; 
For deeds of arms, ‘twas Stilicho alone, $55 
Who, Hymen's bay, obtained from empire's throne. 
Alike her uncle's care, Thermántia knew ; 
For her, from gen'rals, he, a husband, drew; 
Far less howe'er thy sister's lot, than thine: 
Rome, brighter, saw thy nuptial torches shine; 260 


* Atalanta. 4+ The Achelous. 





200 


And dignities, that marked the highest state, 
Were destined on thy wedded joys to wait. 

Tu’ IMPERIAL coursers were his earliest cares, 
Intrusted with the charge of Phrygian mares, 
Which on Argan herbage used to feed : 265 
The sacred stud of Cappadocian breed. 
Soon other honours Stilicho obtained : 
Command of armies equally he gained ; 
Though, for his toils, the prince high favour showed, 
Yet greater, to his merit, still he owed. 270 
If war's fierce threats were in th’ horizon traced, 
The gen'rals, white with age, in eager haste, 
Would rights forget, resign with willing band, 
To Stilicho, though young, the chief command ; 
Nor lofty rank, nor shame, appeared to weigh, 975 
Those elders freely would, the youth, obey. 

Tuus, when light winds, o'er tranquil seas, preside, 
A feeble steersman may the rudder guide ; 
But, if the Sournerw Gates pervade the skies, 
And angry billows, on the ocean, rise, 280 
Which, ev'ry quarter of the ship, assail, 
No longer jarring contests then prevail : 
To able pilot is resigned the helm, 
While waves, the vessel, threat to overwhelm ; 
Superior talents, due regard, engage, , 985 
And hushed is clamour by the tempest's rage. 

So Stilicho, when war spread awe through Thrace, 
Alone was chosen : all to him gave place; 
Fricut, judge imperious, open truth confessed, 
And yielded suffrages that filled each breast ; 290 
At danger's view, AMBrTION dropped her claim, 
And Envy, chased by terrour, mute, became. 


* 





20) 


PrRovGHOUT. Hix frame, extended, trembling fears, . 
And, from thy eyes, gushed copiosus floods of tears, 
When martial clerions' called the troops to arma; — 997 
Then.—-báthbed thy cheeks,---thy bosom with alarms,— 
Deserted, thou beheldst, thy house, in pain, 

And wish'dst already back thy spouse again : 

Across his threat ning helmet, press'dst thy lip, 

In spite of plumes, affection’s kiss to sip. 300 
But, what delight! when 'mid the trumpets’ sound, 

The victor comes, with wreaths of triumph, crowned, 

In armour clad, by thee with joy received, 

And, safely clasped, he tells exploits achieved ! 

WHILE far the hero, toils of war to share, 305 

Ne pearly gems were scen to deck thy hair; 

On Pow'ns Anovz, in prayer, thy eyes were fixed : 

. Along the ground with dust thy tresses mixed. 
Neglected charms which, inattention, prove, 

Alone the husband's presence will remove. 310 

Nor in thy bosom languished love sincere, 

Through cares inactive for a partner dear: 
Thy prudence watched the war for sounds of praise ;— 
Sought confidence, by female pow'rs, to raise ; 
While he contended with the foe in fight, 315 
On ev'ry thing thou keptst attentive sight; 
Nor Envy, always with envenomed dart, 
Prepared to pierce the Virtuous to the heart, 
Thy absent husband to assail, was led: 
No groundless rumours through the city spread; 320 
Nor Perripy, by craft with blackest dye, 
And arms concealed, on efforts durst rely. 
When crimes, Rufinus turned within his mind, 
And, massacre of Stilicho, designed, 
Vor. 1I. 2C 





202 


Against the Roman spears, with frantick rage, $25 
Tried ev'ry means the Gete to engage :— 

The horrid secret having reached thy ears, 

Thou sentst, to warn thy spouse, with anxious fears. 








EPITHALAMIUM 


PALLADIUS AND CELERINA. 
ma 


PREFACE. 


F ROM me Palladius nuptial songs, desires, 

And Stilicho, the marrjage-verse, requires ; 

Deny I cannot, —hastily though penned, 

Since here my gen'ral stands, and ¢here my friend. 
The one, at court, is my companion seen; | 

The other shines with dignity of mien. 

To me, the first, like age and place unite : 

Years, hongurs of the last, respect, excite. 

The poet, love, by lines, his chieftain, shows : . 

To sire-in-law, the soldier, rev'rence, owes. 4 


2C 


10 


WitHIN a grot where. vines.a cov'ring made, 
Once Venus, sleep, indulged in grateful shade; — 
Her form divine to verdant bed, résigned, 

And on a couch of flow'rs her head inclined ; 

The twining bratiches, gentle zéphiyr moved; 

And ripe the luscious grapé àrduht her weed, 
Each beauty unadorbéd, amid répose, a 
With more enchanting delicacy rose; - |’ 
Heat, from her précious frame, the Fafinbnts; threw, 


And neck of snow throttgh leaves Appeared to view. 


InALIAN Nysrbus attended on her charms; © 
Beneath an oak, the Graces twired their arrtis ; 
And, where refreshing coofness might be found, 
Winged Loves were seen extended on the ground ; 
Their bows hung waving with the passing breeze; 
And, flame, sighed quivers, pendent on the trees. 
Some gayly played, or ranging leafy grove, 

To find the nests of birds with ardour strove; 
Or, apples, culled besprinkled by the dews, 

A present, Beauty’s queen would not refuse : 
Skipped o’cr convolving vines that sought a prop, 
And poised their wings upon the elm’s high top. 
The grove's protection, others kept in sight, 
Who, prying wanton Dryads, put to flight, 


10 


20 














205 


Repelled divinities of woods and lawns, 
And darted javelins on the sportive Fauns, 
Which, at a distance, with lascivious eye, 
Desired, the grotto; freely to descry. 

From neighb ring city, on a: sudden,—sound 
Burst forth in loud.applause that echoed tound ; 
. And notes enchanting, from the tuneful lyres, 


30 


Through fields, in cadence mixed with dancibg chóirs ; 2 


On Latium's hills they, Celerina, sang, 
And, with Palladius wedding, valleys rang. 
The goddess’ ears were struck by joyful cries ;— 
She woke, and rosy fingers cleared her eyes ; 
With hair dishevelled, and of ease bereft, 
Her charming couch, fair Cytherea left, 
And, from the num’rous Loves who round respired, 
In vain for Hymen anxiously inquired. 
A Muss his parent :—V enus, with delight, 
Beneath his sceptre, placed the nuptial rite ; 
‘Tis he alone can marriage ties proclaim, 
And give beginning to .connubial flame. 
AT length the god of wedlock's bands was seen ; 
Beneath a lofty Plane-tree shone his.mien ; 
Two reeds unequal, he, by anxious care, 
With. wax to join, was eager to prepare. 
In einulation of the shepherd's song, 
And accents that, to Mznalus, belong, 
Thereon to press his lips at ease, he sought, 
And, from the slender pipe, sweet concords brought. 
When he, the goddess, saw, those notes he stopped : 


On ground, the reed, from loosened fingers, dropped ; 


Eyes beamed; the Sun and Mopxsrv o'erspread 
Hig snowy cheeks, with glowing tints of red ; 


35 


40 


50 


535 


£06 


And unclipped tresses Hid, with shadows tbin, 
The down that scarcely rose upon his chia. 
At last the queen of Beauty, silence, broke, 
And thus, to Hymen, Cytherea spoke : 60 
* Wi rt thou, O boy! ne'er weary grow of verse, 
* But gifts maternal fondly still rehearse? 
‘* The Muses’ study, always keep in sight, 
* And emulate thy parent with delight? ^ 
* Why dost, amid the heat, such musick try? 65 
‘ Hast thou the lyre’s harmonius strings thrown by? 
* "Forgotten are Lycceus’ woods and Hocks, 
* And Ecuo’s sounds returning from the rocks ? 
* Come hither, let us learn, of joy, the cause : 
** Whose nuptials'claim this manifest applause? 70 
* What maid is married :—say, her father :—- race :— 
** Whence came her husband ;—all his lineage, trace ; 
** Thou know'st the whole ;—each wedding is thy cure; 
* Through thee fond lovers blissful union share.” 
" O Goppgss!” he replied, “ of late, my eyes 75 
* Have, thy delays, behold with great surprise ;— 
*€ That thou inditf rence shouldst to wedtock show, 
* When noble blood would, to thy empire, flow, 
* ]Hustrious houscs that from consuls spring, 
. * And magistrates whose praises proudly ring : 80 
* Together those, within my bands, are placed, 
‘© Who, in the world, by excellence are graced. 
‘© What isle, amid the Rep Sea’s billows, lies, 
* What tract beneath the Ethiopian skies, ‘ 
* What distant cline, impervious proved to fame, 85 
* Which sounds not love of old Palladius'* name, 
* His mind humanc, and manners that engage, 
“ Delightful wit, and pleasantness in age’ . 


e 


' 907 


* Through each gradation of the court he passed ; 

“ The highest dignities, obtained at last ; 90 
* The senate, swayed with infinite applause, 

* That to the Or1ENT gave immortal laws. 

* Such, such the source from whence the youthful swain 
Received the noble blood that fills each vein. 

** The ancient Tomos and the Danube's shore, - 95 
** The lovely maiden's carly cradle, bore ; 

* Her mother's ancestors exult in spoils, 

“ The splendid fruits derived from martial toils :. 

* FrÉh Celerinus, drawing lustre bright, 

_ * Whose steady conduct beamed resplendent light, 100 
* When ordered Meroé from foes to save, 

* In former days, and banks Nile's waters lave :— 

* Who, after Carus'T death, near Parthian stream, 

* Was by the soldiers offered rank supreme, 

* The sceptre, earnestly desired to sway, 105 
* "That him extensive empire might obey :— 

** Their ardent prayers disdainfully he heard, 

* And, to a throne, tranquillity preferred : 

* Refused a diadem's refulgent charms, 

* Which others, faithless, seek by force and arms. . 110 
“ Then first the PunPr less than V ru&TUE seemed, 

** And majesty, refused, was credit deemed ; . 

* Her weakness, FonTUNE with regret avowed, 

,* And, Max's superiority, allowed. | 

** The proffered empire, and refusal shown, 115 
* Proved still the GREAT might higher merit own. 

* The gen'ral's lofty rank, the father gained, 

* And each preferment bv degrees obtained, 


* The ancestor of Palladius. 4 The emperor. 





208 


** That oer the soldiers gives supreme command : 
** No chieftain’s. honours more illustrious stand. 190 
* He dignities of ev'ry sort prepared ; 
* The governors of diff rent states, declared ; 
* Recounted troops, vast regions, scattered o'er: 
.. * The forces kept to watch Sarmatia’s shore; 
* "The bands designed fierce Gets to oppase ; 195 
* Those placed to curb the Scot, or Saxon foes ; 
* ‘The cohorts on the coast that Ocean layes ; 
'* And those, preserving peace, near Rhine's famed wayes. 
* [n her chaste house, sincerity resides ; * 
* With skilfu] hand, she ev'ry labour guides ; 130 
** For her ‘twas Stülicho who gave his voice :— 
“ What praises, aught, can add to such a chgice? 
* When such a F'A1& expects the nuptial tie, 
* "Iwould be a crime attentions to deny. 
* Away at once :—gay scenes let Arr partake;—- — 135 
* The faded garlands I desire to shake :— 
" Connubial torches, vibrate with delight, 
' And pass, in play and merriment, the nigbt. 
* 'To me, this pipe,—hosv precious will it prove! 
* ‘To cheer, in mazy dance, the choirs that move.” — 140 
W uEN this the gad of wedded joys had said, — 
To lave in limpid stream was Venus led ; 
Each hair she smoothed ;—assumed her usual dress, 
And took Dioné's tissue from the press. 
The goddess’ car with charming flow'rs was strewed ; 145 
The sweetest perfumes, all the seat, bedewed ; 
To purple doves were joined extended reins, 
The choicest blossams woven into chains. 
From ev'ry side, winged flocks repaired in haste : 
What, Athesis, delighted ;— Larius, graced; — 150 





209 

Those by Benacus fed ;—that Mincius’ wave. 

With gentle stream no longer refuge gave. 

No more the rolling waters, murmers, bore: 

The swan fied Po,—and rough Padasa’s shore. 

The Loves rejoiced ;—-birds, fastened to the yoke ;— 139 
No pity showing, through the air they brokers 

Before the goddess, anxious to arrive, 
And gain.her sight were warmly seen to strive; 
Their hands-with menaces the whip retained ; ! 
And, when descending, still unhurt remained ; 160 
The fall was followed by more heppy flight, 

And reins on team tbe charioteer kept tight, 

- Now, driving om, to nuptial doors they flew : 

Cast flow'rs from baskets ;—eopieus show rs of dew +— 
From quivers scattered vi'lets, (culled in fields, 163 
Where, smiles, the queen of Beauty always yields,) 
On which the Doc-STAn, amious to display | 
Attentions great, had beamed benignant ray. 

From vases rich with jewels overspread, 

Some, balsams of the highest perfume, shed, 170 
Which, on the banks of Nile, from trees, distil, 

When nails, the bark with wounds injurious, fill. 

Fair Venus sought the bride amid alarms, 

And took her, weeping, from chaste mother's arms ; 

In bloom of years, her lovely bosom rose; 175 
More white than lilies or the driven snows; 

Her golden tresses, attestation, bore, 

Of ancestry derived from Ister's shore. 

Uniting then the belle and husband's hands, 

She consecrated thus, connubral bands : 180 

** Live,” she exclaimed, “ harmonious be your days, 
* And let my gifts, your grateful fervour, raise. 
Vor. I]. 2D 





210 


‘Your arms intwining, num'rous kisses, sip, - 

'^ And be your souls united on the lip. 

* Do not on virtues, youth, of sire, rely: 185 

* By prayers, not terrour, will the maid comply.. 

“ "Yield, charmer, to a husband's fond desire, 

“ Nor exercise thy nails with Scythian ire; 

* Submit, we pray: avoid each shade of strife ; 

*" And thus, a mother's name, conjoin with wife. — 190 

** O lovely Farr! for why those eyes in tears "— 

* Him, soon thou'lt love, who raises now thy fears.” 
This said, two winged attendants, armed with dart, 

Whose bows were famous for unerring art, 

The goddess called, and ordered to proceed ;. 195 

Straight Pyrois and /Ethon showed their speed ; 

Each pinion shone, with richest purple tipped : 

Their arrows in the purest honey dipped ; 

To hit the beauteous bride, the one aspired : 

The lover, by the other, was required. | 200 

Th’ elastick cords resounded with the force ; 

Through gentle air the missiles took their. course : 

At once conveyed with equal truth the smart, 

And pierced the deep recesses of the heart. 





THE 


RAPE OF PROSERPINE. 


PREFACE. 


Tue man who first, where briny OCEAN raves, 

In slender bark presumed to dare the waves,— 

With rugged oars disturbed the War’ry DrEr,— 
Braved dubious winds that, rolling billows, sweep, 

And, by his art and industry, descried 5, 
The distant ways that NATURE had denied: 
Commenced his course, when surgy storms were o'er; 
Pursued the winding coast along the shore ; 

To bays extensive, ventured by degrees ; 
And, quitting land, spread sails to gentle breeze. 10 
At length howe'er, he more presumptuous grew ; 

No longer, trembling fears, his bosom knew: | 
Through foaming floods he ploughed, the stars his guid’, 
And stemmed th’ /Egean and th’ Ionian tide, 


2D9 


BOOK I, 


My mind impels me, in audacious verse, 


Th’ INFERNAL Rape, and coursers, to rehearse ;— 


The shades that darkened ev'ry beaming star :— 

The nuptial couch BELow, and Stygian car. 
Away, Prorane !—alone Apollo's lyre, 

Within my breast, sensations, will inspire ; 

The holy altars and the domes that rise, 

To their foundations, shake before my eyes ; 

‘The presence of a god is clearly shown; 

From caverns deep, proceeds the hollow groan ; 

Th’ Athenian temple roars with murmurs dread ; 

And, sacred flame, Eleusis’ torches spread. 

Triptolemus’ fierce serpents hiss aloud, 


Raise scaly necks that to the yoke have bowed ;— 


Abate career ;— their rosy heads extend ;— 
And, to my ardent strains, attentjon, lend. 
Far off the three-formed Hecaté js seen ; 
Beside her Bacchus shows his smiling mien; . 
Arqund his temples ivy-branches twine : 

A Parthian tiger's skin o'erhangs his chine ; 


10 


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213 


United in a knot tbe golden claws: 
His tott'ring step, support, from ¢hyrsus, draws. 

O Gops! that in Avernus' gulph have sway; 
Whom multitudes of dreary SuADprs obey ; 

To whose insatiable store, is hurled 

Whatever meets destruction in the world ;— 
Whose gloomy realm the Styx’ black waters lave, 
And Phlegethon surveys with burning wave: 

To me, let deep recesses be revealed ;— 

No secret things nor places be concealed ; 

With readiness, the open truth impart :— 

What torch of Love inflamed grim Pluto's heart ; 
The rape of Proserpine ;—her dowry ;—show ;— 
From whom she gained the sceptre of BELow. 
Say, through what num'rous regions, Ceres flew, 
In hopes, her daughter lost, again to view;— 
What laws she gave ;—and- how rich ears of corn, 
Dedonian acorns, led mankind to scorn. 

In former times, Hell’s king, with furious rage, 
Against the Pow’rs ABove, fain war would wage. 
Himself alone, he said, without a wife, 
In steril solitude, consumed his life :— 
To taste sweet nuptial joys, his anxious aim, 
And be accosted with a father’s name. 

Now all the monsters, from Hell’s deep recess, 


With STEEL, in crowds, were forward seen to press ; 


The Tuunp’REr’s fall, conspiring Furies swore ; 
Tisiphoné, whose brow, fierce serpents, bore, 
Assembled in the dreary, tented field, 

Those SHADEs in arms, inured the sword to wield. 
By discord moved, the elements again 

[iad battles waged amid th’ ethereal plain; 


25 


35 


40 


45 


50 


214 


The Titans, breaking chains, from prisons free, 


Once more might hope the Sun’s bright beams to see ; 


And fierce AEgeeon, bursting from his bands, 


Had back Jove's bolts returned, with hundred hands. 


-Howe’er the Parcs calmed stern Pluto's ire; 
They dreaded for the world commotions dire ; 
Before his feet and throne themselves they threw ; 
Displayed white hairs in reverence to view ; 
"Their hands embraced his knees, with woful face, 
Accustomed human destinies to trace, 

All NATURE rule, each action to control, 
And, on their iron spindle, ages, roll. 

First Lachesis, with hair dishevelled, spoke, 
And thus began the tyrant to invoke : 

. * O Sov'REiGN arbiter of gloomy shades, 
* Whose empire, Ni6uT eternally pervades, ' 


* For whom our threads with constant labour bend ; 


* Who, ev'ry thing beginning, giv'st, and end: 
* Replacest, by vicissitude of birth, 
* Alternately whate'er returns to earth ;— 
* O'er life and death possessing pow'rful sway ;— 
* What MATTER yields thy orders to obey : 
* Who, after €ertain years have run their course, 
** "The soul restorest to corporeal source : 
* Dissolve not ties, our distaffs formed with toil ; 
* Nor brothers let engage in civil broil. 
" Why dost thou impious banners seek to raise ? 
* Why, show incestuous Titans, ether's blaze? 
* But, Jove, alone implore thy wish to gain, 

* And thou a vife wilt presently obtain." 
"Tus said, the god assuaged his angry breast, 
Ashamed, to him, such prayers should be addressed ; 


55 


60 


70 


75 


80 


215 


His cruel heart, though stubborn to bé bent, ' 85 
Seemed rage to curb, and gently to relent. 

So when the fierce Nouru Wi», in fury, blows, 
With wings o'ercharged by Getic hail and snows, 
Prepares, in war, o'erwhelming force to wield, 

And bear loud blasts on forest, sea, and field, 00 
If JEolus, through opposition, lay - 

A massy, brazen barrier cross the way, 

The raging pow'r in impotence subsides, 

And back to caves the broken tempest glides. 

Tue god was led then Maia's son to call, , 95 
Who bears aloft the hasty words that fall ; 

Cyllené’s youth obeyed the stern command,— 
Cap o’er -his head, — caduceus in his hand. 

Gaia Pluto sat upon a rugged throne : 
Black majesty, in terrour, round was shown ; 100 
His weighty sceptre, rust had overspread, | 
And angry clouds inwrapped his hideous bead: 
In ev'ry feature of the monarch's mien, 
Were horrid signs of cruel rigour seen ; 
The gloomy sadness, on his brow severe, 105 
Increase, still added to terrifick fear. 
Then, from the tyrant, thund’ring accents broke : 
(The palace, silent, trembled while he spoke ; 
The porter huge, his triple howling, stayed ; 
No longer tears, Cocytus’ fount displayed ; 110 
In quiet Acheron, mute waters, rolled, 
And, ev’ry murmur, Phlegethon controlled :) 

** O Boy, whose veins, with blood from Atlas, flow, 
* Assigned to gods ABovE and those BELow: 
* Who solely hast the right to enter Hell, 115 
* And realms on high where Pow'as Immortac dwell; 


216 


** Through wliom, between them, intercourse prevails : 

* Go, swiftly pierce on wing the SoUTHERN GALEs, 

* To Jove, what I require, directly bear, 

* And thus aloud my sentiments declare. 120 
* Most cruel brother! is thy haughty sway 

* Disposed to make me tyrant laws obey? 

* Did spiteful Fortunz, when from lofty sky, 

* She took me, strength and Heaven alike, deny ? 

* ‘When us the day's effulgent splendour left, 125 
* Were we at once of force and arms bereft? 

* Perhaps with cares thou think'st us overpow'red, 

* By abject sluggishness and spleen devoured, 

* Because the Cyclops’ bolts we Lave not hurled, 

* Nor, with loud thunder, terrified the world?— 130 
* "Tis not enough, deprived of grateful light, 

“ That I'm allotted realms of wretched plight, 

* In loathsome regions, doomed to pass my days, 

* Whilst thou behold’st the cheering Zodiack's rays ; 

" And Cuarzes’s Wain, upon thy tract divine, 135 
* With dazzling splendid beams, delights to shine? 

* But dost thou truly me refuse the grace, 

** Those joys that flow from wedlock's soft embrace > 

* Nerean Amphitrité yields her-charms, 

* And, Neptune, clasps, 'mid billows, in her arms. 140 
** Thee, to her kindred bosom, Juno takes, 

* When tired of thunder that, air's empire, shakes. 

“ Shall I, thy love-scenes with Diana, state ^— 

* With Ceres, —Themis,—sly amours, relate ? 

* ‘The sex around thee plenteously repair, 145 
* And swarms of happy females are thy share. 

* But I, debased, in desert palace, grieve: 

* And shall no child, my cruel cares, relieve ? 


217 - 


“ Such suff'rings longer cannot be endured : 
* [ swear by precincts that, drear NicHr, immured, 150 
“ By floods inviolate of Stygian wave, 

** Tf thou refusest what these accents crave, 

* Against thee, all Hell's monsters I'll excite, 

* Asunder, Saturn's ancient fetters, smite, 

** O'er beaming light I'll, thickest darkness, throw, 155 
** The face of things shall, dread convulsions, show, 

“ And all the brightness that, high Heav'n, pervades, 
“ Shall blended be with black Avernus’ shades.” 

Tis said, the messenger on pinions lipht, — 
T'wards stars aloft, pursued his rapid flight ; 

Stern Pluto's resolution, Jove was told ;— 
Straight, various plans he, in his bosom, rolled : 
What charmer would consent to wedlock's ties, 

If doomed, for realms below, to leave the skies, | 
And bid adieu to Sor's resplendent ray —— 

At length, to one, his wav'ring thoughts gave way. 

AT Henna, Ceres, on a daughter smiled ; 

To her Lucina gave no second « child ; 
Exhausted by the labours she sustained, 
The goddess always steril thence remained. 
Howe'er, all mothers, she in care excelled, 
And ev'ry favour Proserpine beheld. 

To her were wholly Ceres’ thoughts applied, 
Intent to keep this.charmer by her side. 

Nor more the heifer on her offspring fawns, 
Whose feet ne'er trod as yet the verdant lawns, 
Those sprouting horns which scarcely curved appear, . | 
Resembling Luna's in her first career. 

To nubile years at length the maiden came: 
Her heaving bosom glowed with modest flame; — 


Vor. II. 2E 


160 - 
165 
170 
175 


180. . 


218 


Through ev'ry vein the trembling throbbings ran : 


The doine with suitors to resoand began. 

The god,. who bears the pow'rful shield for fight, 

Opposed Apofio, skilled in arrows’ flight. 

Mars offered Rhodopé ;—the god of day _. 

Amycle, Delos, Claros, to her sway. 

Support, the former’s sult to Juno owed ; 

Latona, favour to the other, showed ; 

The deity bedécked with eats of corn, 

Bestowed, upon the lovers, equal scorn ; 

And as her térrours pictured dire alarmis, 

A cherished daugliter torn from mother’s arms, 

(Alas what future ills were unrevealed ‘) 

She, 'mid Sicanian rocks, her charge concealed. 
Tue isle of Sicily, in anciént times, | 

United closely with th' Italian climes ; 

But raging billows, beating on the side, 

At length cut off the site with foaming tide : 

Triumphant Nereus sundered shore ftom shore, 

Disjoining mountains with impetuous roar: 

A narrow interval divides the lands, 

That once were rivetted in solid bands. 


Now torn from friendly earth that NATURE güve, 


Three points she offers to the stormy wave: 
Pachynus, here, resists, with lofty head 

And rocks advanced, th’ Ionian surges dread ;— 
Geetulian Thetis there her anger shows, 

On Lilybeum fall her foaming blows ;— 

Th’ Etruscan billows, bounds intent to bretik, 
In vain upon Pelorus, fury wreak. 

High /Etna's summits in the centre lie, 


hence massy stones, in flamipg fragmetits, fly : 


185 


190 


200 


205 


210 











219 


Of giants’ downfal, monument renowned ;— 
A tomb, Enceladus, the mountain, found, 
Who, chained and wounded, lies with weight oppressed,2 13. 
And, brimstone, belches from his burning breast. — 
As oft he rolls, of freedom’s pow’r bereft, . 
With stubborn neck, the load from right to left, 
The deep foundations of the island quake, 
And tott’ring cities with their ramparts shake. — — 220. 
To sight alone is known the lofty space ; 7 
No mortal thither can.a passage trace; 
The other parts with verdant leaves are filled : 
The tow'ring heights, no hushandman e'er tilled. 
Now from the crater native clouds arise, 295 
Which shrowd, in pitchy darkness, beaming skies ; 
To strike the stars, now rocky masses aim: 
The falling fragments feed the furious flame. 
But, spite of fire that, from the mountain, flows, . 
Hot embers, sacred faith, preserve with snows : 230 
The ice grows hard, from vapours round secure ; | 
Defence, the cold in secret renders sure ; 
And harmless blaze and sweeping smoke accost, 
With gentle, glidiog touch, the neighb ring frost. 
These stones that fly aloft, what engines roll? 235 
Those caverns drear, what mighty pow'rs control ? 
Of these volcanick streams, from whence the source? 
The wand'ring winds perhaps, to spend their force, 
Through hollow clefts, while seeking forth to break, 
On rotten cavities their fury, wreak. 240 
Or 'mid the bowels of the sulph'rous hill, 
The sea, by pressure, drives a winding rill: 
The waters, heated by th’ ignition nigh, 
Hurl craggy rocks against the spheres on high 

2E2 


220 


~ 


WnrN Ceres thus her child had safely placed, 245 
For Phrygian regions, she prepared in haste ; 
Those fears removed that racked ber anxious mind, 
Sbe, Cybelé with tow’rs, desired to find. 
The goddess in her carriage dragons drives ; 
Obedient to her will each swiftly strives, "250 
With writhing limbs, to cut aerial plains : 
Their harmléss foam spreads whiteness o'er thé reins. 
Upon each head a lofty crest is seen ; 
On azure backs, rich spots of lively green;  - 
And, 'mid the scales that, o'er their bodies, fold, 255 
Beam forth the sparkling rays of shining gold. 
Now, to their plicature, the ZrPnvR yields; 
. Now, with inferior flight, they skim the fields ; 
The running wheel, with seed the earth, supplies ; 
And yellow ears of corn from thence arise ; 260 
The growing stalks, the chariot-furrows, hide ; 
And harvests deck the road on ev'ry side. - 
Tue heights of /Etna soon were left behind, 
And, Sicily, the eager eye resigned. 
Alas! how oft, foreboding direful ill, |. 265 
Down Ceres’ cheek distilled the pearly rill. 
Back, t'wards her palace, casting looks distressed, 
These words, in plaintive sound, her voice expressed : 
* FAREWELL! O grateful earth, by us preferred 
* To realms on high, immortal seats averred ; | 270 
** To thee, a precious daughter, I commend, 
** My blood, my joy, whose veins from mine descend. 
“ To thee sincerest gratitude I owe, 
** Thy kindness, proper recompense, shall know ; 
* No harrow shall upon thy surface toil, ^ ^ 275 
* Nor, broken by the ploughshare, be the soil ;— 


* 291 


“ Devoid of culture, flourish shall edch field : 
* Men, oxen rest ;-—and plains, rich harvests, yield.” ” 
 "Tnurs said, the shining dragons swiftly flew, eS 
And, Ceres soon to Ida's summits, drew;' ^ ^" 980 
The holy domes of Cybelé appeared :—  ' | | 
On sacred altar raised, the stone revered; _ 
The pine, a shade the goddess’ image, wove;: ^' 
And, when no storms pervade the lofty grove, — | 
The branches, with their cones displayed around, ' 9285 
Upon the ear, return a solemn sound. m 
Within are-heard the Bacchanalian throng; - 
The temple echoes with their frantick song; 
The clam'rous shouts, through all the hill; extend ; | 
And frightened woods, their tops, submissly bend. — 290 
WHEN Ceres came in sicht, drums ceased to roar;: 
The choirs, at once, their noisy mirth, gave oer; ^ - - 
The priests, the immolating knife, withheld; - 
No more the flute, harmonious accents, swelled; °° 
The trumpet’s clangour, air, no longer rent; ©.  ' 295 
To ground their manes the lions lowly bent. | 
Forth Cybelé, from holy mansion, ran, 
And, bending tow'rs, to-kiss her child, began. 
On high, great Jove, perceiving things designed, 
To Venus thus disclosed -his inmost mind : . 900 
© O Cytherea! I'll to thee confess 
** ‘The secret cares that, on my senses, press; - 
** T've long decreed in wedlock to bestow 
* Fair Proserpine upon the. king BELow.. 
* This, Atropos propels me to unfold, 305 
* And ancient Themis such presaged of old. | 
* Now, while the mother’s absence we perceive, 
“. (The time is good, performance, to achieve,) 


229 


** Do thou to Sicily at once away; . 

* And when to-morrow’s light, with beaming ray, 
* Shall rosy brightness to Aurora yield, 

* And Ceres’ daughter frolick in the field : 

* Then all thy arts to manage be thy aim,— 

** Those wonted wiles which oft myself inflame. 
" ‘Why, realms infernal, are they quiet left? 

‘¢ Let none of love's allurements stand bereft ;— 
* No bosom be exempted from the fire :— 

* With Venus’ tender passion all respire. 

* Let warmest ardour in fierce Funixs burn ;— 
** Stern Acheron, to soft impressions, turn ;— 

* And rigid Plato, in bis iron heart, 


*" Feel mildness glow and pow'r of am'rous smart." 


THESE orders Venus, to obey, prepared ; 
For her companions, Jupiter declared, 
Minerva, and the goddess bending bows, 
Who, ski on Meenalus in hunting, shows. 
The path, as forward pressed their steps divine, 
With beams of brightest lustre, seemed to shine. 
THE rapid comet thus, with bloody blaze 
And sudden fall, dread prodigies, displays ; 
These signs, the sailor views with terrours drear ; 
The people equally express their fear ; 
The frightful flakes of fire, extending far, 
To vessels, storms announce :—to cities, war. 


$19 


315 


325 


330 


Tuey reached the place where Ceres’ dome expands 335 


With highest splendour, built by Cyclops’ hands ; 
The lofty walls, of solid iron, rise :— 

Of steel, the frames and doors of massy size. . 
No work Pyracmon e’er with equal toil, 

Nor Steropes, constructed on the soil : 


340 








223 

Such furious puffs the bellows never showed, 
Nor metal stream from groaning furnace flowed. 
With finest iv'ry is the ball inlaid ; — 
The roof of brazen beems most strongly made ; 
And columns formed of silver mixed with gold, 345 
Aloft in ait, magnificence, unfold. , 

Farr Proserpine, in sweetest aceents, sang ; 
‘Phe palace, with ber notes melodious, rang, 
While she, the nicest presents, tried to frame, j 
Against, returning, ‘her loved mother came. 350 
With dext'rous needle she, .on tissue, wove 
The course of elements ;— the seat of Jove ;— 
The ways of NA*UuRZ when, with skilful trace, 
She, things discordant, ranged in proper place. 
Whate'er proves: light, on bigh in skies,is shown; — 355 
And, ‘mid the universe, the heavy thrown. 
Arr shines with flame ;—the HA vus, bright beams, dis- 
EATH'hangs suspended : and the OczA x flows. [close;— 
Nor does a single-colour, all, pervade : 
In gold are Stars ;—in purple, 'W A vs, displayed ;— — 360 
The Crirrs of precious gems ;— while threads-below, 
Feigned undulations of the Bitzows, show; 
The Grass-wRacx seems.to dash against the shore, 
And, through the sands, the Surces hoarsely roar 
Five Zowes are added by the charmer's hands : 365 
The Toran, ‘mid the whole, in red, expands ; 
The threads that mark the bounds, dark shade, display, 
As if burnt up by Puasus’ sultry ray. 
On both the sides two TEM»'RATE she designed, 
Alike inhabited by human .-kind. 37Q 
Two Faiaip, in:th extremities, are found : 
Perpetual WixTER seems to hover round ; 


224, 


The webs, a gloomy. drearinesa,. unfold, 
And indications of.eternal cold. EE o! 
Nor failed she to portray her uncle's dome, ^ . . .375 
And realms infernal, destined for her bome. . 
Howe'er a direful.presage promipted fears, . .  - 
And filled her eyes at once with floods of tears. . 
She scarcely had begun the surge to trace 
On OcEAn’s margin in the distant space, -. . 380 
When opening doore:discovered, to her view, ; . - 
The goddesses divine,.who-near her .dréw.  .. 
Each finger instantly, the work, forsook; ^: - '- 
Possession of her cheek the roses took, . ; 
And, piercing features that might rival shows, .. . 385 
In scarlet tints of modesty, arose. 
Less glows the iv'ry, that the female slave, 
Of Lydia, plunged in Sidon's purple wave. .. .: 

THE beams of Day had sunk within the DEEP, 
And humid: N1cuT's dark cbariot scattered SLEEP, 390 
When Pluto, docile to a brother's sway, | 
T’wards realms of light, prepared to take his way; . 
The loathed Alecto, for the god's control, 
The savage coursers, fastened-to the pole : 
To feed, accustomed, on Cocytus' shore ;— 395 
The gloomy tracts of Hell to wander o'er ;— 
And, drinking muddy floods from Lethé's stream, 
Disgorge oblivious foam in languid dream. | 
Orphnzus, fury glaring in his eyes; - 
And ZEthon, swifter than the arrow. flies ; 400 
With N ycteus, glory of.the Stygian breed ; 0 
And stern Alastor, marked a$ Pluto’s steed ;— 
Together joined, stood ready jet the gate, 
And, fretting, seemed the promised joys, to wait. . . 





THE 


RAPE OF PROSERPINE. 


BOOK II. 


PREFACE. 


Wauen Orpheus sought in quiet to respire, 
And left awhile untouched th’ harmonious lyre, 
The Nyupus lamented pleasures from them kept, 
And mournful streams, sweet songs relinquished, wept. 
To savage beasts fierce nature was restored, 5 
And, fearing lions, cows, mute strings, implored ; 
Ee'n craggy mountains wailed the silence round, 
And woods, that oft had echoed back the sound. 
Bur when, to Thracian fields, Aleides came, 
From Argos’ walls which we, Inachian, name, 10 
With peaceful step :—the horrid stalls, destroyed, 
Where, savage scenes, the bloody king enjoyed, 
And Diomedes' steeds with grass had fed, 
The bard, since festive mirth around was spread, 
Again, the lyre disused, commenced to ring :— 15 
With bow and fingers, touched the sounding string. 
Hx scarcely had begun the pleasing strain, 
W hen calm, o'er winds and wavés, was seen to reign; 
Vor. 1l. 2F 


226 


The Hebrus’ waters slowly moved along; | 

Rocks bent on Rhodopé to hear the song; — . 20 

O'er tow'ring Qssa admiration rose, 

Aside the summits threw the frozen snows ; 

The lofty poplar quitted Hemus bear ; 

The friendly pines drew oaks their joy to share; 

E'en came the laurel*, struck by Orpheus’ voice, 25 

Though arts despising of Apollo's choice. - 

The hare grown bold, on gentle dogs, relied ; 

The wolves and fearless lambs lay side by side ; 
To play with tigers, deer, in peate, appeared ; 

"Nor stags, the lion of Maggyla, feared. 30 
A FELL step-mother's rage, the minstrel sang ; 

The strings, with Hercules’ famed actions, rang ;— 


To him, the monsters that, subjection, owed ;— M 
Who, yet a child, his trembling mother, showed 
The serpents, strangled by. his pow'rfal hand, 35 


While, bursting smiles, he hardly could withstand. . 

- "Thus he:—“ The bull, whose roar, Crete’s cities, shook, 
* And Styx’ fierce dog, thou view'dst with daring look ;— 
‘ The lion, destined starry space to Mlk; . . - : 
4," And boar renowned of Exymanthus bill — . . 40 
* From Agmgzonian Ain thow gain’st the zone: 
^ Stymphalus' birds were hy thy, darts oerthrawn; , 

** The hekde, from SrT?ING Sun, thy force withdrew: . 
'** Their three-fold kingt, thy mighty valour slew ; .. 
* Though inultiplied his limbs, thy potent blow, ' 45 
* As oft, tbe foe, vietoriqualy, laid. low, ^ - UE 
7 0! 
. Daphad, € A polis d turned into à Laurus. 
E , :Qu« Mat: 1. Fab. 9. 
JEU A Guytn. basa yo 
Q7 u 4 


227 


* Anteeus’ falls, of no advantage, proved, 

' Nor Hydra's growth, nor hind that swiftly movea. 

* By thee destroyed were fires of Cacus dread, 

* And, with Busiris’ blood, the Nile stained red; — 50 

“ On Pholoé thou strew'dst the Centaurs’ gore : 

* Astonishment pervaded Libya 'a shore. 

“ The lofty Atlas saw, with marked surprise, 

** Thy shoulders bear the weight of vaulted skies;— 

‘ On thee, more firmly poised, the world remained: 55 

** Sun, stars, o'er Hercules, their*eourse maintained." 
Tur Thracian thus his voiee was led to raise. y 

O Florentinus! animate my lays;i— — MM 

Another, like Alcides, thee T. find : | 

The Muses, long in grots to sleep resigned, |. 60 

By thee are roused, thou call’st them to the lyre, 

And tempt’st once more abroad the peaceful choir. 


qF2 EE 


BOOK TI. 


Nor yet the full resplendency of Day 
Had,.on th’ Ionian floods, cast fulgent ray ; 

Slight coruscations gleamed o’er trembling wave, 
And, to the azure waters, lustre gave. 

Now Proserpine, by thoughtless freedom, led, 5 
Forgetting what her tender mother said, ; 
O'érran moist groves, in which the QUEEN OF SMILES, 
(So willed the Parce») set her treach’rous wiles. 

The door, when on the hinges turning round, 

Three times aloud emitted boding sound ; 10 
And /Etna, conscious of the ills in store, 

Thrice dolefully sent forth a hollow roar. 

Yet presages nor signs her steps could stay ; 

From skies, the sisters joined her on the way. 

First Venus, full of joy, dissembling art, 15 
Moved on with promised triumphs in her heart ;— 
Drear realms o'ercome ;—steru Pluto in her chains ;— 
And SHApEs subjected to her flow'ry reins. 

Tu’ IpAriAN nymphs, with pin, prepared her hair ;— 
In num’rous curls, the tresses, placed with care. 20 
A clasp most rich, by Vulcan's art designed, : 

And labour great, her purple robes, confined. 


* 


* 


829 


Then came th” Arcadian goddess’ charming face, - 


Who ranges Mount Lyceus’ lofty space; 

And she who, over Athens’ domes, presides : 
In virgin celibacy each confides ; , | 
This, 'mid the battle, furious with her shield; 


That, dreaded by the beasts which haunt the field. 


Ox. Pallas’ helmet sparkling to the light, 
Engraved in gold, huge Typhon met the sight : 
His bust deprived of life; while limbs below, : 
Still perfect animation, seemed to show... 
His spear above the clouds appeared to rise, .. 
With fear bebeld, a lofty tree in size: 

A shining robe was o'er the serpents spread, 


Which, hissing, twined around the Gorgon's head. 


ExcAciNG mildness, showed Diana's mien: 
In ev'ry feature was her brother seen ;— 
Apollo's cheek and eye, her face displayed : 
The goddess' sex alone distinction made. 

Her naked arms and hands, like lilies fair ; 
Fach floating ringlet wantoned in the air ; 
Her bow aside was laid, the cord unstrung; 
Behind, the arrows, o'er her shou.ders, hung; 
By double. bands secured, a Cretan gown, 

As far as bends the knee, extended down: 

The wand'ring Delos*, traced 'mid golden seas, 
By threads inwoven, moving with the breeze. 

Between these deities walked Ceres’ child, 
With equal step, where grassy verdure smiled ; 
Nor beauty less divine, tbe charmer showed ;— 
Her form as perfect :—cheek with roses glowed ; 


25 


45 


40 


45 


50 


* See Ov. Met. v1. 384. This was formerly thought a floating 


isle. 


She might-be Pallas thought, if armed with shield : 
Or bearing arrows, Phasbet in the field.. : 

The flowing robe arquad ber frame disposed, : 
Together drawn, a polished’ jasper clesed. . 

More ingenuity was never. shown, "n 

Than in the fabrick from her skill alone ; 


No loom the threads with such correctness placed :- 


Th’ illusions woven, truths. expressive, traced... . 
DepictTep here was Sox's celestial flame, 

From Hyperion sprung :—the Moow.the same; 

Unlike in features :—-shis amid the: night 

Refulgence beaming,—that by day more bright. 

Their infancy, a cradle Tethys yields ;- 

And, with ber cares, the panting offspring, shields. 

On her right-arm the feeble Sun she holds, ^ :;- 

Nor heat, nor lustre high, he yet unfolds ; 

His early age seems gently to respire : 

With childish whine, be drops slight flakes of fire. 

His Sister, on her left, appears to rest, 

Absorbing nurtare from transparent breest : 

On Luna’s temples, horns begin to rise, 


As yet just sprouting, of the.smallest size. a 


'Tuvs Proserpine apparelled trod the ground ; 
The Naiades, with garlands, pressed around, . 
Who haunt the banks upon .Crinisus' source ;— 
Pantagias, rolling rocks with rapid course ;— 
The fountain where commences Gela’s wave, 
Which, to a.city. name, distinctly gave ;— 

"The fens from whence the Camarine flows ;— 
And Arethusa, whieh abuudance owes 


+ A names of Diana. 


60 


70 


75 


231 


To waters that from far-th’ Alpheus” lends: — ' 
The nytnphs assembled, Cyané trariscetids. 

So Amazogs their bueklers proudly wield; — 85 
When female trocps, from éotitests of the field, — | 
In Norttipan chines, whéve slaughters diré they spread, 
Are by Hippolgeé in triumph led :—- 

The bands of dhuny'Getw:Inid-ia dust: - U 
Through frozeaTanwis their axes thrust; . 90 

Or thus, from: Bacehus* feasts, Meonlan Fair; «^ —— 
Who drink the Hernms and, his riches, shafe, - ^. - 
O'errun the: borders of thelr native shores, 

While from his-urn.the Srak4am pours golden stores. 

THE group divine, from sumtaits Henna spied; 95 
Of flow’rs the parent, nutabers she supplied ; E 
The.Zr»uvs, in a winding vnle at rest, 

With eagermess aloud she thus addressed : «. - 
* O Gractous. father ofthe charming SPhixo, 


* Who, to my meadbws, always stiles, dost bring, 100 


* With playful step, Shy joyous eoutse, pütsue, = | 
*« And sprinklé o'eh she yoat contiual dew :—- 

* On these fir myrmphg sasetibitd, turn thy eyes, 

** The race of hini-that 'l'huNDERs thrüugh the skies, 

* Who condeséend, sthese pleasing vetdute régüs, 105 
“ To fréliék witbi delight along our pluins. ' 
* Cpme, be.pmópitinns to my wish, I prey: 

* Let ev'ry twig fertility display, © 55 5-5 

* And fruitful Hybls,jeulque of my eaves; 


* Allow tbe; produce.less, her garden beers. re H0. 


t5, .^Idv "à. i be fede, 
-@. The ancients feigesd, ‘this famous. river ob Arcadie to have sunk 
under gnoued, and go passer] beneath the sea-to the river. . Arethusa in 
Sicily. See Vie. 7. WII Pos. and Oy. firs. din. i1, 6. 


* Whatever sweets, Panchaia‘exhales, = " 
* Where, ’mid the wood, rich frankincense prevails ;— 
** Whate'er th’ Hydaspes’ fragrant shore supplies, 
"* Ambrosial perfume, far and wide that fies ;-— 
* What, from Sebeans' distant clime, is brought, — 115 
* By aged Phenix, for bis purpose, sought, 
** When he new life obtains from grateful fire: 
* Let all my veins in copious streams acquire ; 
“ With breath enliv'ning, now my borders cheer, 
* ‘That worthy they of goddesses appear, .. 120 
“ Who, pleased to erop those flow'rs that glow around, 
‘With our delightful garlands, may be crowned." 
Tur Zepuyr shook his wings, when this was said, 
And, on the earth a fruitful moisture, shed ; 
Where'er his nectar-bearing pinions flew, — ' 125 
The Sraine, fresh vigour from the sprinkling, drew ; 
The soil gave herbs; serene appeared the skies ; 
The opening roses showed their ruddy dyes ; 
The bilberries disclosed a sable shade ; | 
And charming vi'lets, purple hue, displayed. 130 
Do belts, that Parthians for their prince design, | 
Which jewels deck, with equal lustre, shine? 
The fleeces when enriched with Tyrian stain, 
Do they, from scarlet foam, more splendour gain? 
Not such, the plumes of Juno's bird can sbow; 135 
Nor WiNTER coming, girt with brilliant bow, 
Which, num'rous colours, sumptuously displays,—— 
Through ether's vault, &. varying path, portrays,— 
The humid way adorned b- streaks of green, 
Dividing clouds, with other tints between. '- 140 
Y ET e’en the beauteous flow'rs, the spot excelled, 
Which, from the plain, with easy bending, swelled ; 





233 


In gentle slope ascending ev’ry side, 

A little hill was formed with summit wide. 

From native rock the limpid fountains flowed; —_. 145 

The herbage, moisture, to their sprinkling, owed; —  . ; 

The heat was tempered by the shade of trees; = 

The summer cgoled throughout by Wintry breeze. 

Here, firs designed to plough the waves arose ; 

The cornel there, for Mars’ destructive blows ; 150 

The oak that, Jupiter’s high favour, craves ; 

The cypress, destined shelter for the graves; — . 

The ilex friendly to th’ industrious bees ; 

The laurel that futurity foresees ; J 

The box-tree, closely branched, with trembling head ; 155 

The creeping ivy ;—elms, that vines o'erspread. m 

Not far from thence a lake extends its wave, 

(To which Sicilians, name of Pergus, gave) ; 

A verdant grove around the borders stood ; yo 

The streams, from neighb’ring fens, distain the flood. 160" 

Howe'er the bottom fully meets the eye; 

Each part, the sight through waters may descry ; 

Across the clear abyss the depth, pursue, 

And, ev'ry dark recess, completely view. 
ARRIVED, the goddesses their joy disclosed, 165 . 

To them, thus Venus, culling flow'rs, proposed : 

* Now come, my sisters, ere Aurora's ray, - 

** The early dew from plants, has swept away, 

* And while my Mornine STAR, to yellow fields, 

** The day's precursor, grateful moisture yields.”. — 170: 
WHEN this was said, the treasures* round she sought, 

Which sad remembrance to her bosom brogght. : - 
Vor. II. | ' 2G | 


* Adonis was turned into a purple flower of bis name. See Ov. Meta 
x e Fab. 12. » 


234 


The rest through diff'rent groves and quarters strayed, 
Like swarms of bees that, Hybla's thyme, invade; 
When by their sov'reign led, the wax to make, 175 
They quit dye beechen hive, rich perfumes, take, 
Extend their course where honeyéd store abounds, 
And enter choicest plents with buzzing sounds. 

THE lawns were strapped of ornamental hue ; ; 
The lily, one conjomed with vilets blue; 180 
Sweet-marjoram, another, gave delight ; 
This twined the rose; and that the privet white. 
O Hyacinth! with sorrows m thy look, 
And thee, Narcissus! equally they took : 
Now bright productions of the Sprina's best joys, — 185 
Excelling formerly us charming boys. 
The first to life withm Amycle grew ; 
His birth from Helicon the latter drew ; 
By erring coit the former lost his breath : 
The last, in fav'rite fount, encountered death. . 190 
Cephissus* this beweils with broken reed ; | 
From that, Apollo's marks of grief proceed. 

Monz eager than the rest appeared the Fair, 
Sole hope of her, whose cares the harvests share.’ 
.Nww, beautebus blossoms that, the verdure, graced, 195 
In smiling ‘baskets formed of twigs, she placed ; | 
And, for herself, inwove a flow'ry twine; 
Uneonscious, —of her nuptibls,—fatel sign | ! 
Nay, e'en the goddessf, who presides o'er ams — 
And trumpets spreading terrible alarms, £00 
lu dente pleasures now employed those hands, 
Which oft hid overturned the strongest bands, 


* A river of Beotia, in Greece, parent of Narcissus. See Ov. Met. 


ur. Fab. 5. 
; + Pallas. 





235 


Burst massy doors, laid ramparts in the dust: 
Aside, upon the ground, her spear was thrust ; 
Voluptuous garlands, negligently thrown, 205 
Effaced the harshness on her helmet shown ; 
The steel-clad summit played ; war's horrour fied ; 
And tufts of bleoming brightness waved their head. 
Diana toa who, choirs of nymphs, disdains, 
And, with her dogs, o'er mount Parthenius, reigns, 210 
Each flewing lock, topether wished to bring, 
And, all her tresses, clesed m wreathy ring. 
WHILE these, in gayety, were ranging round, 
Lo! earth began to roar with hollow sound ; | 
To strike each other, tow'rs their place forsook; — 9215 
And, from foundations deep, the cities shook. 
The hidden cause of this tremendous scene, 
To one alone was knewn :—the Paphian queen ; 
Through ev'ry sense a mixed emotion pressed : 
Affright with joy internal filled her breast. 220 
THE prince of SHapsEs Bzxow now sought a way, 
Through paths, beneath the earth, that winding lay ; 
The heavy horses of th’ IxrzRNAL Gop, 
Upon Enceladus beweailing, trod ; 
The massy wheels, the giant's body, tore, 995 
Who, groaning, Sicily and Pluto, bore. 
Himself to move, he used exhausted force ; 
Tried weary snakes* te stop the chariot's course, 
Which gliding forward in the smoky track, 
Left deepened furrows on bis sulph'rous baek. 930. 
Bx dreary night concealed, thus soldiers go, 
To plunge unlooked fer on th’ ineautious fee ;— 
2G 


* Giants were supposed to bave serpents for feet. 


236 


Beneath foundations of the cultured soil, 
Through secret ways, to pass the ramparts, toil ; 


The troops victorious, showing earth-bornf pow'rs, 935 
Burst forth, "mid walls surprised, and seize the tew’rs. 


So he, third beir of Saturn, tried to gain, 
Through dreary caverns, with unsteady rein, 
A path that led to realms where beamed the day, 
On empires subject to his brother’s sway. 


Each pass was shut; large rocks, a bar, opposed : 


Where'er he turned, the side was. firmly closed. 
Disdaining obstacles,—impatient grown, 
With sceptre huge he broke the stubborn stone ; 
The caves of Sicily rolled thunders dread ; 
Through Lipara, were trembling terrours spread ; 
Affrighted Vulcan, from his smithy, flew ; 
And, Bouts, with fear, away the Cyclops threw. 
The noise was heard by him, Alps’ ice withheld ; 
The sailor traversing where Tiber swelled, 
Waves yet unused to trophies, Romans show ; 
And reached the boat-man, rowing on the Po. 
So when Peneus' stream, by rocks restrained, 
'Mid Thessaly, in stagnant floods remained, 
And drowning all the plain from side to side, 
The husbandman to plough the fields, denied : 


His trident Neptune raised, the hills controlled ;— 


High Ossa sundered from Olympus cold ;— 


The waves, unbarred, to OckAN took their way ;— 


And labourers re-entered on the clay. 
WueEn Pluto's might had burst Sicilian chains, 
And made an ope immense through rugged veins, 


245 


250 


260 


+ Alluding to the serpent's teeth sown by Cadmus. See Ov. Met. 


tt. Fab. 1. 


237 


With sudden dread th’ ErHereat REcr10oNs shook ;—- 
Revolving stars, their usual course, forsook ; | 
The Bran, in seas forbidden, plunged his head; — . 965 
With trembling step, the slow Bootes fled ; ec 
Orion, fright disclosed; pale, Atlas grew, 

Astonished at the sound of neighings new ; ] 
Black aspirations, clouding beams of light, — - ’ 
Deprived the azure sky of lustre bright ; 270 
The horses, used to feed in darkness drear, 

Beheld the orb of day with shudd'ring fear; | 
Alarmed they stopped : the froth-clad bridle, prd, 
Amazed at radiancy, the air possessed ; 

Against the chariot-pole, they fiercely drove, 275 
And, to return to realms infernal, strove. 

But, soon receiving o'er their backs the lash, 

The steeds began to bear the gleamy flash, 

They forward rushed with more impetuous force, 

Than wintry floods, or javelin’s rapid course, 280° 
The Parthian’s dart, the blast of SourHERN breeze, 

Or sudden thoughts that, on the senses, seize. 

With bloody stains the bits were covered o'er; 

The air, a pestilential vapour, bore ; - 

Th’ offensive foam with which the ground was strewed, 285 
In horrid poison all the dust, imbrued. ) 
The Nympus, intimidated, fled the lawn ; 

In chariot, Proserpine away was drawn ; 

Her cries made Pallas bare the Gorgon's head ; 

Diana, bending bow, to aid ber, sped ; .'. 290 
Nor would they, to their uncle Pluto, bend, 

Alike induced assistance prompt to lend ; 

Both virgins, —equally they anger showed : 

T’ avenge the spoiler's crime, their bosoms glowed.. 





"938 


But be appeared a lion o'er hie prey, 295 
That, from the stall a heifer, bears away, 
The pride of herds :—his claws the beast employs 
To tear the entrails and, the treat, enjoys, 
On all the limbs in fierce delight, remains, 
Besmeared with filth and sanguinary stains, 300 
His flowing mane, he shakes, that knotted lies, 
And, angry shepherds’ menaces, defies. 

* O Kine of feeble SuApEs," Minerva cried, 
** Most cruel brother of the three allied, 
* With impious flame, what FreN has filled thy breast? 
* Why quit'st thou palaces by thee pessessed, 
** And thus, with Stygian steeds, poliut’st the air? 
** The hideous Dire are thy proper care,— . 
** The horrid deities of Lethé’s strand, — 
* Fierce Furres, worthy to obtain thy hand. 310 
* Leave, leave the empire of thy brother Jove, 
* No longer seek in others’ realms to rove: — 
* Go, be eontent where dreary regions lie ; 
© Why dost, the dead to mix with living, try? 
** And let those coursers that thy chariot draw, 315 
** Our limits tread, not subject to thy law?" 

Tus said she struek the horses with her shield, 
Which, eagerness, diselosed to leave the field ; 
To stop their course, her buekler threat'ning, spread, 
The serpents hissed : her plumes played round their head ; 
Upraised her lance, to give the blow, prepared, 
Bright lustre o'er the sable chariet glared. 
Her hand, the weapon, ready was to fling, 
When Jove sent thunder op pacifick wing, 
From vaulted skies, which through the welki pressed, 322 
And, Pluto, for his son-in-law, confessed. 


239 


'Mid opening clouds, the lighting's flask avowed, 

The nuptial ties, by Hymen, were allowed. 
RELUCTANTLY the goddesses withdrew ; 

Diana’s bosom, poignant sorrow, kuew ; 330 

She stopped ber bow, and thus, with weepinp eyed, 

* Farewell! remember us, adieu !” she cries: 

^ Submission to a parent's bigh commands, 

* From giving aid, retains eur willing hands. 

* We have not strength such pow'r supreme to face: 335 

* "Thy sires the author of this foul disprace ; 

* To silent shades, alas! art thou consigned, 

* No choirs of equals near, nor sisters kind ! 

* ‘What Destiny bes thee constrained to leave 

** These high abodes, and doomed the stars to grieve? $40 

* No more shall nets, Parthenius! woods, surround : 

** To carry quivers, useless, will be found ; | 

** The boar may safely, ev'ry side, explore ; 

* Fierce lions, boldly, through each quarter, roar ; 

* Taygetus’ high tops shall thee lament ; 345 

* Again no bow on Meenalus be bent, 

* But o'er the summits heavy grief prevail ; 

* And Cynthus, doleful, long thy absence, wail. - 

* Mute will my brother's* oracles remain ; 

* In Delphi's temples, solemn silence reign." 350 
Away, howe’er, was Proserpine conveyed, 

In chariot swift ;—'mid winds her tresses played ; 

She tore her snowy arms with fingers fair, 

And vainly vented thus complaints to air: 


** Wu had I not, O father Jove, expired, 355 


* Beneath thy bolts, that Cyclops’ labour fired ! 


* Apollo. 


^ 


240 


“ To cruel SHApzEs Brrow, a daughter hurled : 
* By thee alas! expelled from all the world ! 
* No place retain, does pity in thy breast? 
* No love paternal in thy bosom rest? 360 
* What fault of mine has on me drawn thy rage? 
* Did I, in Phlegra's furious scenes, engage ?— 
* Against th’ DsMoRTALS, take a hostile course ?—— 
* On high Olympus, icy Ossa, force? 
* In me what crime, what error, dost thou find, — 365 
* ‘That I, to HogngiD Reams, should be consigned ? 
* O happy Farr! by others borne away, 
* You equally enjoy the Sun’s bright ray ; 
* But virgin charms to me are now denied, 
**. And all the glories of the ether wide : 370 
** At once deprived of innocence and light, 
—. * ]'m captive dragged from earth to Stygian night. 
* O flow'rs! by me unhappily admired '— 
* Sage steps contemned, a parent had desired ! 
* Fell wiles that on Cythera's queen await, 375 
* Perfidious snares, alas perceived too late ! 
* O mother! whether now 'mid Phrygian dales, 
* Of Ida, where Mygdonian song prevails, 
* From rustick flute, and dwells upon thy ear;— 
* Or, where the tops of Dindymus appear, 380 
* On which the priests of Cybelé are found, 
* With naked steel, whose howlings dire resound :— 
* From ruin save me ;— Pluto's rage restrain ; 
* Seize, seize the cruel tyrant’s fatal rein !" 
THESE words and tears, the monster, overcame; 385 
'Then first, of love, he felt the tender flame: 
With mantle black he wiped those weeping eyes, 
And, placid language, used, to ease her sivhs. 


241 


“ VArN tears dispel,” he cried, ‘ that rack thy mind, 

* For thee a nobler sceptre is designed, 390 
.* Not one, unworthy to receive thy hand, 

* Is destined thee to meet in wedlock's band: 

“ [ spring from Saturn ;— all before me bends ;— 

'* Throughout the void immense my pow'r extends. - 

“ Thyself he'er think bereft of beaining day, 395 
* Around us other stars, their light, display ; 

* Still other spaces, other orbs are seen ; 

“ Thy eyes shall view a brightness more serene : 

* Elysium’s splendid sun, wilt thou admire, 

" And holy residents who there retire ; 400 
“ The race remaining of the age of gold : 

* ‘What once earth knew, we constantly bebold. 

* Nor wanting to the scene are meadows fair ; 

“ Perpetual flow'rs th’ enameled borders share, 

* And gentle ZEpuyrs softly breathe around: ^ — 405 
* By thee, on Henna, such were never found. 
* A.tree within a charming arbour grows, 

* Each spreading branch with precious metal glows, 

* And bends beneath the consecrated load : | 

* On thee alone the treasure is bestowed ; 410 
* From AUTUMN, plenty, thou shalt always gain, ' 
* And golden apples constantly obtain. | 

'* But I on trifles have enlarged too much: 

* Whate'er the floating air's embraces touch;— _ 

* What earth maintains ;—the foaming billows roll ;— 415 
* The gliding rivers in their course control ;— 

* Whate’er fens feed ;—the animals that stand 

** Subjected to the Lunar orb's command, ; 

* Which, sev'nth amid the skies, provides the bars, 

* That sever mortal things from lasting stars;— 420 

Vor. Il. | 2H 


242 


** To thee the whale will equally giye way : 
* All, all shall yield to thy imperia] sway. - 
* Before thee kings, thas purple once o'erspread, 


"ec Confounded with the crowd, shall bow their bead ; 


* Death levels all distinctions io the dust ; 425 

* By thee aside the Wicxep shall be thrust ;—— 

* To realms of rest the V igTUOUS gain access ;— 

* To thee, as judge, the Guirrv, crimes, confess ; 

* The Parce,—Letbé's stream,—thy will shall wajt ; 

** Whate'er thy wish,—be such decreed hy FATE." 430 
Tus said, he gave triumphant steeds the reins, . 

And, grown more gentle, entered Hell's domains. 

In crowds the SgApzs, their sov reign, pressed around: 

Their numbers equalled leaves that strew the ground, 

By Sourn Winns torn :— the rain those gales collect ;— 

Or sands they hurl ;—or, foaming waves, direct. 

The diff’rent Ages with egch other vied, 

In anxious haste, to view th’ illystriqus bride. 

Unwonted ease was in the monarch seen: 

Upon his countenance a smile serene, 440 

Huge Phlegethon arpse, their steps to greet : 

Drops o'er his beard, and face in burning heat. 

The slaves selected from tbe ghostly crew, — 

With eagerness, to give attendance, flew. 


- By some the horges fram the car were drawn, 445 


And turned, ynbridled, in their usual lawn. 
These,carpets, placed ;—those,doors with branches,spread ; 
While others richly decked the nuptial bed. 

Th’ Elysian matrons set à modest band 

Around their queen, and used expressions bland, — 450 
'To soothe her fears,—dishevelled tresses, tied, 

And placed a yeil the timid blush to hide. 








243 


Tue Ditagky Reams rejoicdd ;—the Drap were 
In genial feasts, the Sands to'rüittli give way; [gay;— 
Th’ INreRNAL Dzrrres with gürlahds crowned, — 455 
Indulging, "mid the festive scene, weré found. 

Unusual songs, the: gloomy silence, bróke ; 

Groans ceased; —Plell seemed fell horrours to révoke ; 
Relaxed dire wo, atid suffered gleatis of light 

To pierce awhile thé clouds of lasting night. 460 
Nor Minos longer, in: His fatal’ urn, 
Appeared the doubtful lots df inan to turn. 
No whips resodnded'; Tartariis' dread' roar, 
To echo distant punishments, gave o’er ; | 
Ixion's wheel nó niore with swiftness flew, 465 ^ 
Nor envious wave from Tantalus withdrew ; | 
(The former lay at rest; the othér’s lip 

Was suffered waters copicusly' to sip.) 

Iluge Tityus rüised his limbs of indnstrous size, | 
And left nine acres bare to wond’ring eyes; 470 
Such space of ground the giait' overspread' !— 

The vulture, that upon lis liver fed; 

Reluctantly was drawn from: weary side, 

Which, as he gnawed, increase anew, supplied. 

The Furies now, forgetting: crimes and ire, 475 
Prepared, o'er brimming goblets, to respire, 
With serpent-locks, to quaff the rosy wine ;— 

Restrained the scourge :—jomed song with Bacchus’ twine. 
Allowed their snakes, the bowl, to curl around ; 
And, other flame for nuptial torches, fourid. 480 

THEN, harmless ‘birds! you safely moved on wing, 
O’er nauseous fumes that; froth Avernus, spring 
And deadly air which, yields Amsanctus’ flood: 

The horrid eddy, void of motion, stood. 
2H @ 


244 


"Tis said that Acheron, changed billows, showed, 485 
And witb the choicest milk the river flowed ; 
Cocytus too, o’erhung with ivy green, 
The gen'rous juice of grape, to roll, was seen. 
No thread of life was cut by Fate's fel] shears ; 
No sacred choirs disclosed loud cries or tears ; 490 
The realms of earth, no longer DEATH assailed : 
No fun'ral pile, the mothers’ sighs bewailed. 
No sailor perished in the stormy wave ; 
No sword, the fatal stroke to soldier, gave ; 
The cities smiled exempt from direful blow : 495 
And e’en the ancient ferryman below, 
Old Charon, decked his rugged brow with reed, 
And sang, as on he rowed, from business freed. 

Now rose the star, that in the eve displays, 
Amid th’ infernal canopy, his rays; 500 
To nuptial couch, the maiden was conveyed : 
Beside her, Nicut, in spangled robe arrayed, 
As bridemaid stood, and touching with her hand 
The genial bed, made sacred wedlock’s band, 
Gave hopes that, from the strong connubial ties, 505 
Felicities should in abundance rise. 
Th’ Elysian residents these accents sang, 
And, with rejoicing, Pluto's palace rang: 

“ O QUEEN revered! and thou upon the throne, 
* By double ties, the Tounp’RER’s kindred known, 510 
* Let love concordant mingle with your sleep, 
* And, locked in arms, sweet mutual blisses, reap; 
* Soon may a happy issue bless your sight : 
* The prospect, NATURE views with high delight ; 
* New gods upon the universe bestow : 513 
** The progeny desired, to Ceres show.” 





RAPE OF PROSERPINE. 


BOOK III. 


Meeaswarte to Thaumes daughter, Jove on high 
Gave orders to descend from azure sky, 
Wrapped in a cloud,—to cite, on ev'ry side, 
The gods to council, scattered far and wide. 
On painted pinions Iris quickly flew ; 5 
With less rapidity the ZePuvns blew ; 
The deities she called from DEEP Prorounp ;— 
Convoked the Nereids, loitering around ; 
And roused the Rivers from their humid caves : 
. Forth rushed the timid and the doubtful waves ; 10 
In haste to know, what cause disturbed their rest? 
What weighty business for attendance pressed ? 

THE starry palace now was open laid ; 
To sit, th’ I«MoRTAL guests, command, obeyed ; 
Nor honour was promiscuously obtained ; 15 
The bighest place, the gods superior gained ; 
The sov'reigns of the sea, the second, took : 
The placid Nereus, —Phorcus' foaming look ; 


. 246 

The last, had Glaucus with his biformed frame, 
And Proteus, steady to appear the same. 90 
The ancient Rivers too indulgence met, 
And, seats, were equally allowed to et. 
A thousand other Streams were standing seen, 
Like young spectators of Plebeian mien. 
On humid fathers, Naiades respired, 25 
And Fauns iti silénce, beaming Staes, adrmiréd. 

THEN, where Olympus’ lofty summits rise, 
Thus spoke the SrrE Divixe who rules the skies : 

** THE cares contemned awhile of human kind, 
* Again, within my breast, attention find. 30 
** The shameful luxury and slottiful ways, 
* "That ev'ry-wbere prevailed in Saturn's days, 
* Impelled: me:to arouse, by went's: sharp goad, 
“ The mortals thas, to him, their: torpor owed: 
* No longer corn. arose in fields untilled ; 33 
'* No trees, by industry of bees, were filled; 
* No fountains flowed’ with grapes’ delicious store, 
* And, bowls to gluti—with noise burst borders oer. 
* T feel no ewy;—(for the breast-divitie, 
* To that, or injury, can ne'er: ineline ;) 40 
* But don't the virtues suffer from excess, 
** And, ev'ry sense, exuberance depress ? 
* Through: indigenoe, oft: minds of dulness gain : 
* The hidden:science by degrees, obtain; 
* And, as th’ industrious, usefol.arts; devise, 45 
'* Experienee, all the requisites; supplies: 
“To me most grave compleints; now: Na ture: brings : 
* The mortal:race to solace, loudly rings ; . 
* Me, cruel tyrant, unrelenting;—-oalls ; 
* And, in my.ears, the-age of Satarn,—bawis:: 50- 


$47 


“ "Geinst Jove biggaelf, the acoysalion, ueakes, 

" That, all her trespees, to himself, he takes ;— 

4 Asks, why I suffer weeds 49 Sd) the field,-— 

** Thorns o'er the plain,--the year, no &uits, to yield? — 
* 1, formerly, ahe eties, & mother kind :—- 55 

* Alas! myself a gruel step-danee, find ! 

* Of what avails, the sense man drew from Hou, 

* OF pow'r, his prayers to ofer to the sky, — 

** If, like the beasts he, through the deserts, rove, | 
* And take, for food, burst aeorns of the grove? —— 60 
* For him, what cherms a life, ‘mong monsters, passed, 
“* In caverns dregr amid the forests vast? 

* These are the plaints that from this parent rise, 

* Which lead me, garth to view with faving eyes : 

* Hence, I decree, no saore this. wretched fare, .63 
** Shall mortals, frem Chaonia’s foliage, bear. . 
* And Ceres, ignorant of passing ill, 

* Who new, with Cybele on Ida's bill, 

** The lions lashes ta obey command, | 

* [n tears shall overrun the sen and land, 5070 
‘© Till joy she feel, her daughter having faund,—- 
* With fruits anew sball fertilize the ground, 

** Through air her eharjot besten, strewing grain, 
* Before unknown to those who breathe the plain ; 
* And azure dragons that her ateps attend, . . 75 
“ To yokes Athenien, shall submissly bend. ZN 
* Should any god, to this fond mother, dare, 

** ‘The ravisher, who holds her child, declare, 

* I call to witness worlds my sceptre sways, 

* And harmony the universe displays, 80 
** If son or sister, wife or one of those, _ 

* Who, from my braio, IMMosgTAL CHARMERS, rose :— 


| 248 
^ That deity shall feel my angry shield, — 


** The blow afar from THUNDER which I wield. 


** In vain the traitor shall solicit death : 
* Lament the lot divine, retaining breath ;— - 


85 


* With wounds quite weak, to Pluto's realm consigned, 


“ For perfidy, dread chastisement to find, 
* He there will learn, i$ Tartarus' fell fre 


* Can punish those who, 'gainst Hell's king, conspire. 90 


* I fully thus my sacred purpose state : 
‘* Be such the course immutable of FATE !" 

, Tuts said, he gave a nod with furious look, 
And all the stars, in trembling terrour, shook. 

Bur, far away, strange phantoms boding ill, 

The mind of Ceres, seemed with fears to fill ; 
In rocky grots, long quiet she had found ; 
Now these were heard with armour to resound. 
Increase of horrour hovered o’er each night, 
And sleep placed Proserpine distressed in sight. 
At times she imaged, in her dread alarms, 
On ev'ry side tbe points of hostile arms ;— 
At others, sable robes appeared in view, 
Or, ’mid her domes, wild-ash with verdure new. 
The laurel too, more dear than all the grove, 
Which formerly with. modest foliage strove, 
Delightful shade around the couch to spread, 


Where this sweet daughter used to lay her bead,— 


Cut. from the deepest root, by her was seen, 
And, in the dust defiled, its branches green. 
The Dryades, while seemed their tears to run, 
Asked if the crime, by Furrzs’ axe, was done. 
But Proserpine, at length to Ceres’ eyes 
In vision, void of mist, appeared to rise ;— 


95 


100 


105 


110 





249 


Shut up in drear recess, with cruel chains: 115 
Not such as lately, in Sicilian plains, 
Directions gave,—whom goddesses admired, 
"Mid /Etna’s vales where richest flow'rs respired : 
Her golden tresses in disorder hung ; 
Night, o’er her sparkling eyes, had dimness fangs ; 120 
The rose; to paleness, on her cheek gave place: . 
Lips void of ruby;——limbs of lily. trace. TEE 
The gloomy darkness of the piteby realm, 2E 
Seemed all lier beauteous charms to overwhelm: - . 
Such change was made where blushes used to glow, 125 
The goddess scarcely could her: offspring know. | 
* Aras '’she cried, “ what hardships thee: aggrieve ? 
“ Whence springs this leanness: dire, that 1 perceive? - 
* Against me; #Ho such füry can maintain ?”’ 
* Should chalris;those tender arms, like beasts, restrain ? 
* Art thae'iny daughter ?-—Ptoserpine,—sweet child ? 
* Has no deceitful shade our sense beguiled ?" . 
* An!-cfuel, cruel mother!” she replied, 
** To me, borne off, is evry care denied? — — '*' . 
* The tawny lioness would.prove more kind: ': 135 
* An only daughter,—am I thus resigned ? 
* Does Proserpine, a name so lately dear, 
* No more with fond delight your bosom cheer? 
 *Tis she you view,—consigned to caverns dread, 
* Where horrid chastisements around are spread, 140 
* While you, "mid dancing choirs, your time employ, 
* And, through the Phrygian citjes, mirth, enjoy. 
* If feelings that, maternal love, impart, 
* Be not eradicated from your hear't,— : 
* If I from Ceres spring, revered by earth, 145 
* And nota Caspian tigress gave-ine birth, . 
Vor. II. 2I 


250 


' @ Qh! snatch me, wretched, from these caves I pray, 
* And back conduct me to thé relais of day. 
* [f my retur: howe'er the Fares oppose, 
* At least to. pe repair and calm my woes," 150 
Tails said, her trembling bands to raise, she tried ; 
THe heavy fétters, all afterhpts, defied ; 
The clank of dhaans reinoved the charm of sleep : 
The vision passed, —chill tound began to creep ; 
Of truth, the goddéss hoped, it left no trane; $55 
And much:regretted she, her €hild's omncs. ! 
Txt éonstetpatidg from recess she bróke, - 
And thus to Cybelé with fervour spoke ; 
“4 O Har. mother, I too' long Have stayed, 
“ Beneath thote skies which, Phrygias clime, pervade; 160 
* A cherishéd daughter, my retorn, desires ;—— 
“ Her age exposed to perils, care, requires ; 
* 'Thougt tow’rs are. round, the work of Cygleps’ hands, 
« Yet safety; et'ry vigilance, demands } . 
** I fear lest Faux, our paths, should open lay, 165 
* And Sicily, nfy confidence, bétray.  .— 
* Such high eelébnty the place receives,  . 
* With palpit&ting fright uy bosom heaves ; . 
* [n other parts a dwelling more obscure, 
* "lis prudent: I should presently secure. ,, . 170 
* Our ghelttr,—frem Enkeladus' loud sigths, 
* "And iteighb'ring flames,—dewoid of sijaxos lies, 
Tn -wdriews forms; sad visions through the night, 
* And presages each day, my mind, affright ; 
** These yellow wreaths, with which my brow is crowned, 
* Oft suddenly have fa)len;on the ground; . 
© ‘The blood, in streasas, forth from my bosom, fliés ; 
* Tears trickle down. these cheeks from weary eyes ; 





254 


* And with unbilden hands, I tear this breast << 
* By wonder overcome, deprived of rest. : . 190 
“ if Autes I fill, they yield a. dismal groan :— . 
“ The tabour, toyghad,—seturns a wailing mata ; 
“ Alas! I fepr, ead trathe Mese omens show i— 
* Oh! fatal absence, apuree of poignant wo!” 
© May winds those twrrours scatter far and wide,” 185 
To Ceres, ancient Cybele replied ;— 
** Such inattention ne'er has, Jove, defiled, Copas 
** That, hurl he would not thunder for his child. 
" However go ;~-aad dither soon return, E 
« Dispelled the torments that, thy bosom, burn,” — 190: 
Tuas o'er, forth Ceres froja the temple flew, 
No speed sufficed her wishes to pursus; 
The dragons seemed to linger on tbe way ; 
She lashed their wings, impatient of delay ; | 
To quicken pinions iwnocept, she tried | 195 
The whip alternately from side to aide; JO 
Ere Ida's brow the goddess left behind, 
Her eager eyes sought Sicily to find ; 
Each fond concern by dine distraction tost, — 
The worst she feared,—and hope completely lost. ^ 290 
Tue bird thus trembles for her plumeless braod, 
On some low ash, while far she searcbes food ; 
Uneasy thoughts her pensive breast pervade, 
Lest, on the earth by. winds, the nest be laid, 
And wily boys away her young convey, . 205 
Or, to the adder, they besome a prey. 
Wuen Ceres saw her palace open let, 
The guard removed,—-doars burst,-—of hinge bereft ;j— 
Through ev'ry part a mournful silevee reign : 
Without awaiting further trpce to gen, .— . $10 
212 


259 


She rent her garments, yielding to despair, 

And tore the wreath of corn-ears from her hair ; 

Tears stood ;—voice,—breath,—at once her lips, forsook, 
And ev'ry limb with apprehension shook. 

Her falt'ring steps across the mansion moved ; 215 
A dreary solitade each quarter proved ; 

Woofs half destroyed, with threads confused, she found : 
A sketch of art, the outline just around ; 

In vacant space of work divine begun, 

Her web a spider had with boldness spun. 220 
Nor did the goddess solely wailings show : 

She kissed the vest ;—in silence vented wo. 

The shuttle smoothed by use,—work thrown aside,— 
The scattered play-things,—toys of girlish pride, 

Which, infant hours, had formerly beguiled, 295 
She fondly clasped, as if her absent child ; 

The bed forsaken, couch where often laid, 

The seats she used;—her eager eyes surveyed. . 

So grieves th' astonished shepherd, who beholds, 
When he returns, devoid of flocks his folds, 230 
By Libyan lions from th’ enclosures torn, 

Or off by bands of ruthless robbers borne : 

Too late through ev'ry part he moves in baste ;— 

The meadows views, by ravages laid waste ;— 

To call the cattle, vainly now he tries : 235 
No more they answer, deaf to all his cries ! 

Sur, in a deep recess, Electra, found, 

"Mong ancient N y «Pas of OcEAN, nurse renowned, 
Whose love of Proserpine was equal thought, 

'To fond effection, e'en by Ceres brought. 240 
From cradle oft.her arms were wont to bear 

'The charming babe to Jove's parental care, 


258 


Upon paternal knee the child to lay, 

Where she was-suffered to indulge in play: | 

Beloved attendant,—guardian who excelled,— : 245 

A second mother,—faithful always held. ^ '- h 

With dust o’erspread,—and torn, dishevelled hair, ^ _ 

She wailed the rape,—the lost Celestial fair.. 

At length from groans the goddess’ anguish broke, 

And thus, "mid: bursting sighs, to her she spoke :: 250 
“ Wuar dite calamities are here displayed?— — ^— 

** For whom am I a captive to be made?’ c: | — 

* Does still my spouse direct fhe Heav'ns on high? 

* Or have the giants gained at length the sky? | 

* What hand has dared commit this hateful crime, 255 

* While yet survives the THUNDERER sublime? — 

* Has huge T'ypheeus with infuriate head, _ 

** Inarimé's firm mass to force, been led?— ' - 

* Has Alcyoneus burst Vesuvius’ chain, _ MEM 

*^ And moved bis feet across th’ Etrurian main? . 260 

* Or neighb'ring tna, agitation, shown, | 

* And, forth Enceladus from entrails, thrown? 

* Perbaps Briareus, with his hundred arms, - 

* Has through our mansion carried dire alarms! 

** Alas! whete finds. my daughter now & bed?— 265 

«* My nymphs so num'rous, whither have they fled? 

* And where has Cyane been forced to rove? _ 

** What violehce, from hence winged Sirens, drove? — — 

** [s this, fidelity, that you display, 

* ‘To let my darling child be borne away !" ‘#70 
ErrcrBA, these reproaches overcame 5 2 

She shook, and poignant grief gave place to shame; un 

The nurse, DEATH's pains, would rather undergo, 

Than bear the sight of such parental wo. 


$24 


Awhile she stood in doybt,:if rightte owe = +=- 973 
The fact most true, the author stil wnknowm. ^ — 
At length her accents, mouraful silence, broke, 
And, scarcely audible, thase wards abe spake: 

*. Au!-rwould the giants bad thje havock made! 
** Less heavy prove the ills that, all, pervade, 280 
“ But now will scarcely be the fart believed : 
^ Her sister-goddesses, the fair, densived; - 
* The deities contrived this dire diagrese : 
* You may, to jealousy, their treagh'ry trace. : 
* More hostile Heay'’n than Phlegra, we bave found ; 
** Tranquillity, these dames, extended mund; — : 
** Your daughter, tp commande, attentive praved, 
* Nor o'er the threshold of the palage moved ; 
** To bow'rs in yerdant groves, no visite paid ; 
* Her fingers in the logm much skill displayed; —— 896 
*' The Sirens’ song, gach lgieure hour, amused; 
" With me, in converse sweet, to join, she need ; 
** Through noble rooms sopght safely, joys, to reap; — 
* And then inclined pt ease in balmy sleep. 
* At length however Venus hitber few : 495 
** (Our lone retreat, "tis doubtful how ahe knew ;) 
** And, lest her steps, suspicious, might be tbougbt, 
* She, with her Pallas and Diana, bravght. 
* Soon, smiles of pleasure, BeAvzx's goddess shower, 
* And, kisses oft on Proserpine, bestawed : 300 
* Her, greeted frequently with S1sTEE's name; 
* A mother's cryelty wag heard to blame; 
* A parent, who such cberma neselved to hide 
* In deep recesp,--ta goddenses denied 
* The conversation that their hearts desite :—- 803 
* Thus, far from $kiqs paternal to respire. ! 








45.5 


* Joy, in dur Ju wodzx T; these words insfülbd : 

* Good cheer ahd meetár spen, the table, filled; 

* Th’ impradent fait pet ow. Diana’s dress; 01° - 

*. Het tendet fingers tried the how to press!j--- $10 

* "Ihe ib the belinet, that with tufts was granted, ' 

* Her brow of ttéasds eagerly she placed ;- 

** Minerva giving praise; atid how to wield. ! 

* She sought the Bruz-Eszm-Ma:»'s enormous shidid:’ 

* Cytheras quedn, with reh, perfidiowd ait, ^ 8315 

* First spoke of fields arid Hentm’s valleys fair, 7 

* The charming flow'fs às if fo ber unknown : 07 
“ Seemed mtch to wish their beauties to be sliown ;— 

* Appeared té doubt that, in the neighb’ring ground, 

* Unhurt by winter, roses could abound ;— 320 

** The plants of ofber climes; in seasons cold; —— 

* Their glowing tints delightéally unfold j= . 

* And shrubs which, Sprine’s enchanting smiles, engage; 

** Could. btave the fury of Bootes’ rage.. É 

* While praise she lavished and, desird; espresse, $23 

* Perétiasian. seoón prevatied apos the rest - 

* Alas! bow easily the fatt'riap tonpub; — 

*: By artfal lenguage, can seduod the young ! 

* What ardent: prayérs: E used,—tears vainly slied 1 - 

* Away she hastened, by hes sisters led; — . 88909 

* Nymphs-fellewed in the year, al mmá'rous train: 

* At onee they sought the ever-verdant plaim ; 

* When bright Aurora beamed at carly dawn, 

* They called rich flow'rs sidng th’ enamelled lewh, 

* While pearly. whiteness, placid. mreadots, tipped, 835 

* Aud, scattered dews, the banks of vilets sipped. 

* But when the Sum had gained his rioon-tide way, 

* Lo! Nriadir.trew darkest clouds o'er realms of day; 


a3 


3 








256 


** The islabd' shook with charibt's rolling sound, —— 

* And harbes' heavy feet that:trod around : $40 
© We no way could the charistder discern ;— 

*, And,—shade,—-or Dr 4TH himself, —could never learn, 
* The hérbs turned pale ;—the rivers dry were left ; — 

* Fields, blasts defiled :—ell seemed of life bereft. 

* [ saw the privet, robbed of. lustre gay;— SS 
‘| The roses wither :—lily-m:decay.. - = 

* :-Howe'er, a hollow rumbling through the plains, 

* At length announced.the turning back of reis ; 

* And, with the car; —reticing pitchy night, . | 
* The world again received the beams of light: 350 
* Then no where Proserpine appeared in view ; 

*f ‘Their wish obtained, the goddesses ‘withdrew ;' 

* We Cyane, amid the fields, half dead, 

* Perceived, reclining languidly her head ; 

* The flow'ry garland that her temples bound, $55 
* With black was covered o'ér, and tarnished found. 

** We her accosted ;—asked, in anxious haste, . 

* The quarter where our. mistress might be traced >— 

* (The nymph had stood the nearest by her side ;}— 

** The horses’ form ?-—who drove ?-—She nought replied. 
* A«ecred venom through her entrails ran : 

“ In liquids, Cyane to melt began ; 

* To humid. drops her flowing tresses grew :— 

* Both feet and hands now trickled down in dew ; 
** And presently the limpid streams around, — . 365 
** Q'erflowed our footsteps, left upon the ground. 

«5 The rest had fled: the Sirens taken fight, 

** To shores Sicilian and Peldrus* height, 

* On rapid wing; indignant at the ill, | 

** Their lyres, the air, with güileful accents fill; - $70 











957 


* Enchanting rotes, the passing ships, retain ; 
* Th’ astonished rowers inotiontess remain. 
* In this deserted house I’m feft alone, 
“ Old age’ fo traiti, in constant tears to rhoan P 
Tuis spoken, Ceres ih suspense appeared ; 375 
Her breast distractéd,—fature woes she feared ; 
But, turning presently infuriate éyes, 
She raged against th’ IxnasrrANTS of Sates. 
Tavs high Niphátes trembles with the roar, 
Of tigress that th’ Hyrcanian forest bote, . $80 
W hose young away the timid hoster drew, 
For Persia’s king with pleasure td pursue: 
She storms nore fiércely than the Zephyrs blow, 
Which, fecundation with their breath, bestow ;- 
Upon her spotted skin stands anger dire ; 385 
To seize the ravisher, her breast's on fire; H 
And when the foe seems ready for ber claws, 
A mirror's* rays restrain her eager jaws, 
So Ceres’ plaints against Olympus broke, 
And thus, with poignant wo, the mother spoke: 390 
* My child, return me:— I my daughter crave;— 
‘© "Me, birth, nor wand'ring streams nor Dryads gave: 
* I spring from Cybelé, with crown of tow’rs, 
* And mighty Saturn’s generative pow rs. 
* Have rights of deities left realms on high? 395 
^ Celestial justice quitted azure sky*— — | 
* Who, now from gods, can fondly hope for grace? 
* See, Venus,—famed for modesty of face, 
V or. II. 2 K 


* To avoid tbe rage of the tigress, the hunter used a mirror. The 
reflected image, bemg taken by the parent for ber young, gave time 
for escape. 


e58 

* Dares sbow her features after Vulcan's chains : : 
* Did virtuous ‘sleep, 9r.eouch where purenssg.reigns, 400 
** On her bestow the countenance displayed:-—. -— 

* Or was-it by the Jip’ 3 chante touch: conveyed? — 

«No wonder actions base ne'cy wound her eyes, . 

« ‘When infamy. upon her, conduct lies. m - 

* But, goddesses! who nuptial ‘bands refuge, +, 405 
* Can you, neglect, of virgin. charms, excuse? 

* What \—changed 1 in, counsel], ?—Do you join the. crew; 
« Who, with the , Paphian queen, vile rapes, pursue? - 
‘Ob! worthy both, bigh rev'rence to obfain,, ! 

** Where Scythian altars. thirst for human slain! ^. 410 
* What cause for anger, rankles i in your breast? | 

* Has Proserpine the slightest 1 word expressed, 

“ From which your bosoms might offence derive :— 

ee Sought she, Diana, from the Woods to drivé? ^ 

“ Or thee, Minetva, i in fhe martial field, . ' * 413 
“ Has she presunted to'rival with the shield? - 
* [n conversatiori, did she trouble give? 

* Or, with your chotrs ‘too’ often,’ ‘wish to live? 
4 GK burden, lest her preseucé should be held, ^ 

* [n sbfittdé Sicilián, long she dwelled. ' ~~~ 490 
t Bat! what avails concealment to desire? 

‘ No rest can ease tlie pangs of envious ire." 

Or each the goddesses, her voice complained ; 
Thit‘they, (by awe of J ove, thcir sire, restrained) | 
Or held their peace, of ev'ry’ thing denied, — 495 
And, to the-motlicr, by their tcafs replied. " 

What course shoüld Ceres take? O'ercome by. gr ief, 
At length, with fervent prafers; she sought relicf. 

à A Parent, pardon,—led her rage to wreak, . 

i OF suff rings dire w ithout restraint to speak; = 430 


eh 1 





459 
* In humbléátlitade, —t5 god T Hadar on tone urn 


* My lot,-T pray, to me at'once reveal! z nost a. P 
* This favor: ‘grant me -—this Iasskálhne:-— 0. 
** To mey-cálemities desigued;‘thake known; «5*5. 


‘<. Tf warned of evil, I am doomed to waiti ^ 463" 

*€ "Fo crime d bend not, —but imperious FATE, es” 

* A mother let, Her daughter's sight, obtein;^ ^: — 

‘<The ftvout yield: I shall:notask again; =}? 

* Whoe'er thou art,—secure Témajns thy prey : E 

**. Retain her void of fear, tliough forced away. ' — 440 

* But if this silence-from somé pledge proceed : 27 

** Do thou disclose, Latona, truths I need. «^ ^ ' 

* Perhaps Diana has to thee confessed, . ^ '' 2 

* And, of the facts, thou fully art possessed. . ' 

* Alas! thou know'st Lucina’s labours well: : 445 ' 

* What cares, what love, in hearts maternal.dwell! . 

* 'Twins* thou at once hast given to the light.: . 

* An only child, this one, has. blessed my sight. : 

** May always thy Apollo's:charms divine, 

* Delightfully, within thy presence, shine; 450. 

* And, be thy lot for ever free from fcars !" 

Again the goddesses dissolved in tears. 

“ Wuart cause for poignant grief, and yet deserve, 

** That all, from silence, should refuse to swerve ¢ 

"* Ah! wo is me !—alas they disappear ! ASS 

** Why dost thou, Ceres, longer tarry here? | 

** Too clearly, gods have thy distress designed : 

* Go, range o'er earth and sea, thy. child to find ;— 

Tl follow up the passage of the Sun, | 

** Each path inspect,—the universe o'errun : 460' 
2 K2 . 


Lo 
e 


.* 


* Apollo and Diana. 


260 


* "Till found, no reat Jil teke, adien to sleep, 
* I'll search Iberian (loads and Ruppy Dez. 
* Nor shall the frogen Rhine my copree withhold ; 
** The summits high, I'l brave, ‘mid Scythian cold ;— 
^ ‘The borrid quicksands with deceitful face; 465 
" Of Sovtazgry Winns, the distant sourees, trace ;— 
* The frigid mansion, penetrate in snow, 
" From whence the Nogruzan Biasrs exe wort to 
“ Climb Atlas lofty top in Westzrn skies; — (blow: 
^ Th’ Hydaspes’ banks, my torches shall surprise. 470 
* Let cruel Jupiter each step discern :— 
* My wanderings, through fields and sities, learn. 
** Be Juno witnesg of a rivel'a death, 
* And sated, whee abe views her parting breath. 
“ [mult at will my grief !—O- Pow’rs on high, 475 
“ Enjoy your triumph ip the vaulted sky ! 
* Th’ illustrious trophy show with proud delight : 
“ The child of Ceres wrested from her sight !” 
Tuis said, her feet on /tna's heights she set, 
For course nocturnal, lighted torch to get. _ 480 
Upon the banks that yellow Acis laves, 
By Galatea fair preferred to waves 
That QcEAN rolls, on which she often swims, 
Floods boldiy ploughing with her precious limbs,— 
A grove, that branches closely knit pervade, 485 
Extends, on JEtna's summits, verdaut shade. 
There, father Jove, ‘tis said, his bloody shield, 
Deposited, when victor trom the field ; 
And thither, rage of battle being o'er, 
The various plunder gained by conquest, bore, 490 
On num'rous trees is Phlegra's booty strung, 
And, all the wood witb glorious trophies, hung. 





261 


Here, wide-spread mouths ;—-there, skins of monstrous 
From haughty giants tern, to sight arise. {size, 
Fixed on the bark their faces still] are seen, + 495 
With threat'ning countenance and cruel mien ; ' 
Huge bones a whiteness seatter o'er the ground ; 

In lifeless heaps the serpents* lie around ; 

By bolts of thunder scorched, the swelling hide} ;— 

And ev'ry bough displays victorious pride. 500 
Beneath twice fifty swords, this, bending stands, 
Surrendered by. Briareus' hundred hands ; 

In livid spoils exults, from Coeus torn: 

By that is Mimas’ massy armour borne. | 
What once Ophion hagghtily displayed 505 

. Is now upon those spreading branches laid: 

But on the fir that, o'er the others, tow’rs, 

Extending widely boughs of stubborn pow'rs, 
Enceladus' large leavings reeking lie, 

The prince of troops that durst attack the Skv; ^ 510 
The tree must to th’ enormous load give way, - 

Did not a neighb'ring oak the pressure stay. 

HENCE fears, around the place, drear horrours, draw, 
And o'er the senses cast religious awe ; 

"T were crime to hurt what ages passed revered : 515 
The grove where gods, immortal trophies, reared. 

No Cyclops dare feed sheep nor touch the trees : 

The sacred shade, e'en Polypbemus flees. 

Bur Ceres’ steps, by this, were not restrained : | 
She, from the holy spot, more ardour gained ; 590 
The axe she raised, uncertain of the stroke : 
Great Jove himself her fury might provoke, 


* Alluding to tbe giants’ feet. + The giants’ cuirass. 


463 


The lofty: pines she hastily! laid low,—- : 
The cedars that with greater srhoothness grow ; | 
Sought trunks most fit, of length arid straitest make’; 525 
And tried their firmness with effective shake. _ | 
So he, who builds & ship, his wares to bear, 
Through seas remote, and stormy surge to dare, 
The beech and aldar measures where they rise, 
And, for his purpose, takes the proper size : 530 
For yards-with swelling sails, he marks the long; 
For masts convenient, he selects the strong; 
Whate'er is pliant, into oars is made: 
What waves resists,—upon the bottom laid. 
Two cypress raised their heads in neighb'ring wood ; 
Till then inviolate their branches stood ; 
The Simois ne'er, on Ida's rocky brow, 
Such stems beheld expanding verdant bough,— 
Nor een th’ Orontes that, with flowing waves, 
Apollo's charming grove of laurel, laves. 540 
They seemed like sisters, widely stretching round : 
With equal height they overlooked the ground. 
These pleased for torches; Ceres straight prepared, 
Her robe tucked up, each artn to elbow bared, 
With axe.in hand, to give the potent blow, 545 
Now this, now that, alternately laid low; 
Alike they fell, extended on the lawn, 
Lamented by the Dryad and the Faun. 
Just as they were, she both caught up in haste ;— 
With hair untied, the mountain’s summit, traced ; — 550 
Passed, out of breath, flames, rocks, that none attain ;— 
And, on the cinders, trampled with disdain. 
So fierce Megeera speeds to light the yew, 
When deadly crimes she wishes to pursue,— 








268 


On Cadmus: city or. Mycene’s wall pt. 7 B55. 
(Thyestes’ home;) she means hex rage. to fall LE 
Before her, shades of drearinags retreat; .. zt M 

Through Tartarus, resound her iron.feet; — i... * 


Until she reaches Phiegethon’s, dread shore, Pea 
And gets her pine with bquid fire.spread o'er.. LN 560 
WHEN. . Ceres, to the burning crater, CAME, 4) 4.) 
She plunged. the cypress in te- gulph of flame:—-, ;. - 
The open cavern, closed. on. ex Xy, Aide, TEM O L 
And, bursting (fgmes,. pent; up in, . awnings wide, ,,. - 
The mountain thundered with. the blaze et | 65 
Excessive heat. through ev Ty quarter reigned ; . mL 
The vapours pressing burst the barrjers made; ... E 
The cypress’ tops ignited, sparks. diplayed; .. ;,. 
Fresh embers, A‘tna scattered ger the ground:., — - 
The branches. ¢rackled with, the. sulphur round... 570 
Then, lest the torches, in her jgurneys long, EN 
Should fail to. yield; irradiation Hrong. p. 


She gave them inextinguisbable pow'rs, 'u i 

And sprinkled on each part those secret show’ rs, uult 
With which, his; purses, Phaeton* bedews, | ; . ,, 57d 
And Luna, o'er ber team of bullocks, strews. |, 2 


NocTURNAL silence, nay, argupd the world, j, ,: 
The calm vicissitude:of sleep had hurled; , . 44. 1 
The goddess took her way, with hosom rent, ©: °° .. 
And thus aloud. disegursed, as on she went:, |, . 560. 

e O PROSRRPINE!: for: thee. I little thought, . yo 
Such flambeaus, by thy mother, Y would be -squght; Poe 
** The nuptial torch I fondly hoped. to bring, ati 
** That Hymens. songs mighf, through Olympus, ring. 


'9 The son is here’ put for the father, Phebus. Virgil has used 
the same license, Zn: v. 105; and Homer, Il. 4.734. °° “- - 


264 


** Mas! th’ IMMORTALS are by Fare controlled, 585 
* And Lachesis will no distinctions hold ! 
* What happy moments lately I possessed !— 
* Around a throng of eager suitors pressed ; 
* What matron, who  num'rous race had got, 
*' No envy felt to view my single lot? 590 
* Thou prov'dst my only joy from first to last: 
* Through thee, ‘mong fruitful mothers I was efassed. 
* O daughter dear! my glory and delight, 
“ With whom I calmly moved a goddess bright, 
** In nothing less thar Juno was I seen: 595 
* Now, such Jove's will, how abject is miy mien! 
© But why to him do I aseribe these tears? 
* My own negleet, a. cause more just, appears; 
,* Thee, carelesshy I lef exposed to foes: 
ee My absence, fatal source of poignant woes! 600 
* "Mong joyful choirs I safely, pleasures, took, 
* Whose notes, the air, i Bacchus’ glory, shook,—~ 
* And, Phrygian lions, made, in yokes, obey, 
* While tliou, by crael hands, wast borne away. 
* Leam, learn, my child, the punishment I’ve met, 605 
* Which doubtless I have merited to get ; 
* My cheeks, observe, with wounds, how overspread ! ae 
“ This bosom equally in furrows red, 
* Which, heedlessness of ev'ry function, shows, 
“ Disturbed repeatedly by frantick blows. 610 
** Beneath what skies shall I thy footsteps trace "— 
* And who shall guide me to behold thy face r-— 
** The road point out most proper to pursue P-— 
* What chariot off, my darling daughter, drew ?— 
** Full information of the SavacE give?— 615 
** Tf on the earth or sea, this monster live?— - 


365 


* Where I the marks of rapid wheels may find? 

* ]'ll go, —my feet resign to hazard blind. - 

* Thus, seeking Venus, may Dioné move; 

“ At length successful,—will these efforts prove? — 620 

* Shall I, my Proserpine, embrace again? 

* Will all thy beauteous features still remain? 

* Or, as in frightfal dreams of night portrayed, 

* The signs of wretchedness, each sense, pervade :" 
Tuis said, her course she, far ftom tna, took; 625 

Gave flow’rs and place of wo, disdainful look ; 

The diff’rent ruts examined o’er the land ; 

Inclined the torches, lustre to command ; 

The tracks with floods of flowing tears, she filled : 

Through all the air, her. sorrows loudly thrilled ; 630 

The shades of Ceres, stretched above the wave, 

Reached seas that Italy and Libya lave ;— 

Threw beams of brightness on th’ Etrurian shore : 

The quicksands from the surge reflection bore ; 

And distant caves of Scylla felt the ray, | . 635 

Astonished that the dogs in silence lay ; 

While parts, where dismal barking ne’er.had spread, 

Affrighted, heard around those howlings dread. 


Vor. II. g L 


0o n5 GIGANTOMACHIA®,” 
a 


Ix ancient times ‘the Eanrs, ‘With jealous eyes 

Beheld the empire of the aztire skies; 

This tender tnether, ‘mid inéessubt fears,  ' 

Bewailed the Titans’ destiny with tears. 

Her monsttous offspring thretitened to g’erwhelm, 5 
With guilty:horrours, Tartarus’ dreat reali ; 

Whith, seen with pride, she Phlegra open ‘aid, 

And, enemies to ether's spate; displayed. -  - 

A roar was head ;—from Hell the: giants v vote }— 

And, scarcely formed, thew hendb prepared for-blows: LO 
Defied the gods; and, as their feet they moved, 

The rolling sound, their steps unsteady, proved. 

The stars turned pale; alarmed, bright Phebus tried, 
At once his flaming coursers back to guide ; 

The Brar in Ocean plunged; and Cuares’s Waly, 
Which never sets, now left th’ ethereal plain. 

With these expressions then parental EAnTH, 

Those bosoms, fired that owed to her their birth : 


* From «yíyas giatit, aid syn battle. 


367 
* O Yours! designed to vanquisb Pow'zs on high:; 
" To Wazpartins whetever yow desgry; — . , — 8€ 
* On triumph, Victory confers the world: — . ; . 
** "Gainst Saturn's son be all my fury pusleds . ^ 
* What we can do, let him pereeive at legth;. . t 


* Shall I be qvercome by any:strength? gw f. 


* Qn them djd Cybele more force bestew ? e 0 $95 
* No rev'renge is there due to us below? ; L 
" Has he not ev'ry trouble on me thrown ?— 

* Makhciguely his constant hatred shown? 
" Here, chained in Soythian vale, Promethpus les; - - 
* To feed the bird, anew jhis entrails rise; .: 89 
* There, Atlas’ hoary locks and icy top, ME 

** The vaulted canopy of planets, prop, . ,, E 
* Shall I of Tityus speak, whose liver still. Q1 
" Grows while he feels the cruel vulture's bill? - Qc 

'" O warlike sons! avengers of my peins, .. . 3$ 
* The Titans, liberate from heavy chains; = ul 
* Defend your mother ;—ready for each hand,. | 

* Dehold—ie seas and mountains at command. 

* Our limbs ne'er spare, I notbing will deny, 2 
* To hurl against the sov'reigo of the sky. -. — 49 


* Go, go, I pray: confound celestial pow'rs, EU 
* And utterly destray the starry tow Ts, — ., aom 


“ Jove's sceptre, let Typhceus snatch away ;— 
* The foaming waves, Enceladus, obey ;— P2 
« Aurora: 8 beaming reins, anotber guide, 45. 
* The Suw no-longer suffered to preside ; 2 
* May thee, Porphyriop, Delphic laurels, twine, — - ., 


« And Cirrha's temples equally be thine.” ED 
WueEwy thus advised, their silly bosoms burned : 


'The gods they thought already everturned ;— 50 
2L2 


268 


Old Neptune dragged amid the rolling seas : 

This—fancied mighty Mars o'ercome with ease ;— 

That —thought to seize on Phoebus’ radiant hair :— 

Another, —lovely Venus off to bear; — 

Diana, boped to clasp within his arms, 

And triumph o'er the chaste Minerva's charms. 
MEAX WHILE the messenger, swift Iris, flew: 

Together she, th’ IwxoRTALs, quickly drew, 

Who, floods and flowing rivers, dwellings, made : 


The SHADEs themselves came forth to lend their aid. 


Nor thee, O Proserpine, those portals strong, 
With gloom infernal spread, retarded long ; 

The king* himself, in sable chariot placed, 

From dismal realms of silence, drove in haste ; 
His coursers, unaccustomed to the light, 

The day's resplendent rays, beheld with fright : 
And, as they forward moved, "mid trembling fear, 


They breathed, from pitchy nostrils, darkness drear. 


Tuvs, when the hostile engine's threats are nigh, 
The citizens, to guard their ramparts, fly ; 
So, various gods from diffrent quarters‘came : 
To meet beneath paternal domes, their aim. 
Tur deity thus spoke who, skies, commands : 
* O race, to Heav'n devoted,—deathless bands, 
* Whom no vicissitudes destructive wait,— 
** Decrees inevitable, fixed by FATE ;— 


* The EARTH against our world conepires, béhold, 


** And brings a progeny of warriours bold. 
* Whate'er this mother has supplied with breath, 
* Let us, in equal numbers, plunge in death; 


* Pluto. 


$3 


60 


65 


75 





269 

* Through length of ages, let her sorrows run: - 
** A tomb allotted be to ev'ty son.”  . 

" Now sounds of war pervaded earth and air, 
And, for her ruler, Natuge felt despair ; | 
The pow'rful crowd in arms that forward flew, 85 
The elements in dire confusion threw. 

Where billows roll an island disappeared ; 

Rocks 'mid the waves their heads no longer reared ; 
How many shores of cov'ring were bereft ; | 
What multitude of streams their borders left! = 50 
Thessalian CEta, hard, this hurled on high ;— . ' 
That, hands uniting, made Pangea fly ; | 
To one, a weapon, icy Athos proved: * 
Another, similarly, Ossa, moved ; 
The Hebrus' source, Mount Rhodopé, was thrown: 95 - 
'The waters severed, long companions known; 
From lofty cliffs, th' Enipeus' falling wave, 
A wetting to the giants’ shoulders, gave. _ 

Eartu’s hills, distributed among her race, 
The eye could, nought but plains extensive, trace. 100 
A horrid noise through ev'ry quarter thrilled : 
The space between each force, air solely filled. 

First Mars, against this formidable band, 
His Thracian horses drove with daring band: . 
Those noble coursers wont to spread dismay, 105 
Where Gelon armies or the Geta lay. 
His golden shield reflected beaming light, 
And shining tufts played o'er his helmet bright. 
‘Tue god of war now forward took his course; 

His massy sword, Pelorus, struck with force, 110 
Just where the serpents doubly winding rise, 
And, to the semi-beast, unite as thighs ; 


970 


Intent at once.lys efforts dire to shaw, '-- 5 
Three lives he severed at a siugle.blow., . : 

Then o'er the palpiteting corse he. bore,--- : 

The chariot wheels. besprinkling ruddy gore. - 

Ta 'venge hia brather, Mines quicidy flew, . ' 

And from the foamipg billows, Lemnos, drew ; 
From Vulcan's forge, yet curling smoke was blown: 
That instant would hia hands, the isle, have thnowni, 
If Mars’ dread. Jance had pot trenspierced. bis head, 
Aqd first his frais, on dusty surface, apread. 

The part of burrian formi was plunged in death ; 
The serpents, hissing, still preserved. their breath : 
Rebellious portion that, the FA TÉs, defied, 

And equally, the victor's claims; denied. : 

. Acazwst the foe, Minerva forward pressed, 

The Gorgon-shseld resplendent: on her breast ; 

. No lance she used +—contented with her mien: 
Enough for triumph solely to be seen*. 

Fierce Pallas first&, who at a distance ranged, 

To perfect stone, without a wound was changed ; 
Himself he felt to harden with her look ; 

(And when solidity he nearly took, )}— 

* What strange mutation presses thus ?" he cried, 
** Through all my limbs, what flinty matters slide? 
* A numbness over ev'ry quarter steals, 

* And, like a lifeless lump, my body feels.” 


These words had, utt'rence, scarcely froin him found, 


When all his fears were realized around. 
Damastor crael, while he sought a dart, 
Intent to make his hich opponents sinart, 


120 


125 


130 


146 


* The sight of the Gorgon's head turned every thing to stone, See 


' Ov. Met. Lib. IV, Fab. 17, 18. 





Sik 


Abd overpow’r: teben by imtgmtubls 'ehoeth, - 

Hurled kindesll gewotatthn for rock. 6 6 1. 

Echion, wond'ring at a brother's death, 145 

And anxio#s 46 drerans bis partial brett; *- 

On thee, O goddess, looked with bursting rage, 

Whose presence none can ever twice engage ; 

The punishment deserved, his rashness drew, 

And, life exhaling he, th’ IuwonTAL, knew. 150 

But forward rushed Palleneus, full of ire, 

His furious eyes were steadfast, beaming fire ; 

His daring hands to seize the goddess tried, 

Who, with her lance, at once a blow applied ; 

By Gorgon’s cold the serpents stiff were left : 155 

Part arms,—a part by eyes,—of life bereft. 
Porpuynzion, Jo! where foaming surges rolled, 

Dragged o'er th’ abyss profound his twining fold ; 

Asunder, tott'ring Delos, tried to rend, 

That, 'gainst high Heav’n, his arm the isle might send. 160 

JEgseus trembled; Thetis with her sire, 

From watry grotos hastened to retire; 

Deserted were old Neptune's glassy caves, 

Respected by divinities of waves. 

On Cynthus’ top resounded plaintive sighs, 165 . 

From nymphs who taught the god that lights the skies, 

The savage beast to pierce with pow'rful dart, — 

And, for Latona, raised the couch apart, 

When she two brilliant stars* produced to sight, 

The twins that shine aloft with lustre bright. 170 

Astonished Delos, her Apollo, prayed, 

To lend without delay his pow'rful aid: 

«© If fair Latona, in my lap," she cried, 

* For thee, succeeded shelter to provide, 


2728 


* Assistance give; behold agsin I quake : 478 
* With furious efforts, my foundations shake.” — 


* The Sun and Moon, or Phebus and Diana. 


a 





FROM 
** THE GIANT FIGHT. 


Tar lovely Venus bore nor spear nor arms, 
But brightest beauty beamed around her charms; 
For in her eyes expression strong was placed ; 
No pin, divisions in her hair, had traced ; 


Her tresses were in num'rous ringlets twined : § 
The orbs of sight disclosed emotion kind ; 
The garments thin in which she was arrayed, 
Through waving folds delightful form displayed. 
Nor had she sought upon her splendid dress, 
10 


A blushing flow’r by weaving to express, 
That might, allurements, give the transcient glance ;— 
Harr made her helmet :—bosom raised a lance ; 
A dart, the eye-brows :—frame, a potent shield ;— 
Her limbs proved arms :—grief, softness, seemed to yield ; 
On her, whoe'er presumed a look to throw, 15 
Was sure her overwhelming pow'r to know. 

Vor. II 2M 


9* Such pieces as have this mark prefixed are Greek in the original. 





EPISTLES. 





EPISTLE I. 
TO" THE PREFECT ADRIAN 


Doss anger still within your bosom rage? 
Must I ne’er hope my sorrows will assuage? 
Have you, to sudden hatred, kindness, turned? 
Changed has that heart where malice never burned? 
Is tenderness no miore?>—has Envy sway?— 
Against me spiteful rumours to convey ! - 
RESENTMENT might my prudence" ovérpowT —— 
Youth lead away,—or indiscretion sour; — 
But, was it fit that you, such arms as these, _ 
Forgetful of yourself, should deign to seize? _ 
Man's contumelies ne'er touch the gods on high, 
Nor casual clamoürs penetrate the sky. 
Now punishment immoderate appears ; 
Forgiveness yield to one oppressed by fears; — 
My error I confess :—before you, bow : 
To me a pardon gen’rously allow. 
Though in Achilles’ breast no pity glowed : 
To Hector’s shade he anger never showed, 


5 


40 


15. 


© See EPIGRAM xxx. and the Life of Claudian prefixed. 


278 


The Furtzs by Orestes were appeased,— 
A mother immolated, vengeance, eased. 20 
The walls, Alcides gained by efforts brave, 
The conflict o'er, he back to Priam gave. 
The fall that, ruinous to monarchs, proved, 
The youth* who drew his birth from Pella, moved. 
"Tis said that he, upon Darius' bier, 25 
The prince whom slaves had slaughtered, dropped a tear > 
And, to console the king's unbappy doom, 
, His ashes, honoured with a splendid tomb. 
The realm of India, larger than before, 
He rendered Porus, whom he captive bore. 30 
To him our nativef place, foundation, owes, 
Who thus, with noble mind, forgave his foes. 
Thy virtues merit in his steps to tread, 
Who,.such examples by his greatness, led. 
If I've offended those who rule the sky, 35 
Against my head let all their fury fly. 
When ev'ry favour rapidly declined, 
Then followed wretched poverty behind ; 
My house appeared a desert quite forlorn ; 
Each friend revered was from my bosom torn ; 40 
Some on the scaffold yielded up their breath, 
While others, far in exile, wait for death. 
Do further sorrows on my days attend r— 
What greater torments can I apprehend ? 
THE pow’r of slaughter softens beasts of prey : 45 
These disregard whatever shows dismay ; 


'* Alexander the Great. | 
+ Alexander founded Alexandria, the birth-place both of Claudian 
and Adrian. 





qu 


The gtw’rots lion scarcoly deigu to heed -.— 
The peostrato.foo, trie rage hdd doomed to bleed; 
Nor does his eager hunger feel delight, 
Unless he sate his jaws With bulle thas fight. 30 
My thread-of senites through life, hes Envy cut, 
And, ev'ry joyful prospect, sotrew shet. ' 
AB! now regard us with benignant eye, . 
Who, overcome by woes, dejected lig. . - 
Why condescerid you, sweh a load. to throw, ^ 4&5 
Of anguish dire, od owe who bends so low? ti; 
In narrow caverns iHolus ne'er tries | 
The mighby paw'ss that, at his wishes, rise; | 
The NogTHERN WiN»ps, intent to wreak dread rage, 
With little hills, in contest, don't engape, 60 
But, oer the lofty Alps, dire ravage, make, 
Aud, Thracian Rhodopé’s bigh summits, shake. 
On willows, ne’er descend th’ ethereal flames, 
Nor, at small shrubs, the 'IpuND'nza, fury, aims, — 
But, *gaimst esajeelick cake and aged ash, 65 
He burla those tettours vétti resounding crash. 

Ix suppication,--«4or the olive bough, 
Comumniseralie my lot ; astaspe my. pain : 
The wounds, be feels, to sanity restore, — | 
And let liim life and fame enjoy once more. 
K all my happiness was. lost through yoo, 
Let that dame source my former peace renew. 
To Telepbus, the spear‘ which gave the blow, = . 75 
The heeting pów!te; was Kindly setn to show ; 2E 
Achilles’ hand, that plutiged the deadly sting, 
Back life with prompfitude was found to bring. 


280 


Ir neither prayers nor tears cah move your breast, 
Contemned tlie Musz,—off belts unprosp'rous wrest, 80 
My military honours, snatch away, 

And fill an old companion with dismey. 

To crush a poet poor,—what triumph great !— 

And wondrous trophies on the victor wait ! 

The pow’r, which you to publick suffrage owe, $5 
Oppresses fellow-citizens with wo. 

Let these complaints our common soil be told : ' 

The Pharos’ domes, that distaot ships behold.;— 

Above the stream in tears, Nile raise his head, 

And, o'er vast shores our cruel suff’rings, spread, 99 





EPISTLE II. 
TO SERENA. 
_ For Orpheus, when the nuptial torches blazed, 

And, through the Thracian plains, joy, Hymen raised, 
The beasts of woods, and birds that soer ou wing, 
Contended which should noblest presents bring. 

The lynxes, mindful of resounding cave, $ 
And rocks that, to his lyre, sweet echoes, gave, 

From Caucasus’ high summit, crystal, brought, - 

And griffins gold, in Northern regions, sought.'. 

The doves bore flow'ry wreaths with, roses joined, '- 
From Cytherea's charming lawns purloined ; i9 
The swan from Po, where numbers swim around, . 

With amber came, on branchisig sisters* foynd ; 

The cranes, when 'gainst the Piginies, war was oer, 
Repassing Nile, pecked genis bn Rep SEA shore; 

* "The sisters of Phaeton, lamenting their brothér, were turned {into 
poplar-trees, and their tears into amber. Ov. Met. Lib. 11. Fab. 2. 





281 


The ancient Phenix in his claws displayed, 15 
From OniENT, cinnamon, which sweets pervade ; 
Connubial gifts, no bird, nor beast of field, 
To merit of the strings, refused to yield. 

IN all the treasures, Helicon supplied, 
Calliopé with care bedecked the bride; 20 
She e’en- presumed to ask, from realms on high,: 
The weddihg to attend, the QUEEN or Sky. 
Nor did, the invitation, Juno shun, 
The mother fav'ring and her pious son; ZE 
Who oft was heard, the ost: delightful verse, 25 
Before the goddess’ altars to fehearse ; EE ' 
Olympus’ pow’r, in charmiity strains to sing: 
Jove’s wars with Phlepra to remembrance bring, 
When he, to ‘Titan’s threats, gave direful blow, 
And, menacing Enceladus, laid low. | 30 
The marriage night she with-her presence graced: - 
Upon the couch, appropriate presents placed ;— 
The like no mortal beauties evér own: 
Rich gifts confined to deitics alone. 

Ir Juno, kindness thus to Orpheus, showed, 35 
On me, Serena has, each wish, bestowed. | 
Let stars, the goddess of the skies, obey ; 
The earth and ocean feel your pow'rful sway. 

My flame avowing, I.no offers made, 
Of fields or flocks, the suitor's usual aid : 40, 
No thousand hills with vineyards covered o'er ; 
No fruitful olives, waving verdant store ; 
No harvests that, by num’rous sickles, fall ; 
Nor golden columns to support my hall. 
Enough your orders :—lines, you deigned to write, 45 
For me could cattle, corn, and domes, unite. . 

Vor. II. aN 


282 


The father, to a princess’ letters, bent: 

Your name, my poverty, concealment, lent. 

What would not empire or affection yield, . 

To wishes, by Serena’s pen revealed? 50 
Au! would that I could celebrate the dey, 

By me desired, where you, sweet smiles, display, 

Within your hysband's camp, and near the throne, 

On which his son-in-law's* bigh pow'r is shown : 

Th’ imperial purple join connubial band, . 55 

'Mid venerable choirs thet circling stand, 

And her behold, who asked for me those charms, 

Conduct the maid to my impatient arms. 

But since the envious seas oppose me now, 

And Libyg’s distance won't this wish allow, 60 

From you, great princess, let me favour meet, 

And, my return, propitious Fortune greet ; 

Smooth roads of earth ;—the rolling billows, still ;— 

Witb gentle Eastern Wixps the canvass fill ;— 

Protection yield to one who loves the Nine; 65 

For you then Aganippé's wayes divine, 

Delighted, will with verses loudly ring: 

The song of gratitude, the Muszs sing. 


EPISTLE III, 
TO OLYBRIDS, 


Wuzv then to me no letters dost thou pend ; 
Alternate salutations to a friend? 


* Honorips, 








283 


Is writing labour ?!—Who ean thee exeel 
In verse, or speech like Cicero to swell ? 
The treasures, that within thy mind are fourid, | 5 
Surpass whatever Fortune spreads around ; 
That flowing eloquence which meets our ears; 
More copious even than thy wealth appears. 
Do messengers but rarely reach thy eyes? 
The dust, o'er way Flaminian, always flies. — | 10 
Capacity, abundant pow’rs, displays ; 
Occasions offer :—why are those delays? 
Perhaps I'm slighted ;—longer in thy mind, 
The poet must not favour hope to find. 
And is thy friendship then, from distance, less? 15 
Do we no longer, thy regard, pessess? 
SoL's setting ray, th’ Hydaspes surely hides ; 
Aurora rises from Tartessys’ tides ; 
With Getic frosts, white, Meroé is seen ; 
In seas forbidden, bathes the BEAR serene ! 4&0 
For us if now Olybrius show disdain, " 
Orestes’ amity was surely vain. 
Away with obstacles, though far apart, 
Thy friend amuse with words that touch the heart. 
To me let kind epistles be addressed : 25 
Such hang upon the lip and fill my breast. 
To Virgil, poor, oft C:sar's* lettere flew : 
On thee my Muse ne'er brought disgrace, —Adieu! 
EPISTLE IV, 
TO PBOBINUS. 
WILL e'er, between us, silence end, I pray? 
When back shall letters, sweet replies, convey ? 
* Augustus. . 





es 





8. 





MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 


“4 





IDYL 1. 
THE PHENIX. 


iumnatheflo 


In Orient realms, beyond where Indus flows, - 
A wood, with Ocean round, in verdure grows, 
The panting coursers of the god of day 

First touch the foliage in their rapid way, 

When humid gates with dewy chariot quake, — 
The whistling whips, the lofty branches, shake,— 
The rising ray discloses glances red,— 


The glitt’ring wheels, resplendent brightness, spread, | 
And Nienmr, far off, turns pale, constrained by light, 


Her sable robe draws in, and takes to flight. 
Tue solar bird, within this happy clime, 
Resides, protected by the Frame SUBLIME, 

Possesses tracts, frail animals ne'er trace, | 
And feels no suff’rings of the human race; 
Immortal as the pow'rs, that dwell on high : 
Eternal like the stars of azure sky ; 
The constant waste, which rolling ages view, 
Replenished is with limbs that rise anew. 
To satiate hunger or his thirst assuage, 
No food nor liquids e’er, his sight, engage ; 
Him nourishment, the Sun’s pure heat procures : 
From vapours Tethys, fluids thin, assures. 
Vor. Il. 2 0 


2.5 


10 


i5 


290 


His eyes are ever darting secret rays : 
Encircling beams of flame, his beak displays. 
A tuft arises o'er his lofty crown: 25 
Thence lustre shines, that rivals Sor's renown, 
And pierces darkness with impressive force ;— 
' His legs in purple, decked frena Tyrian source ;— 
Wings, swifter than the winds, blue tints, unfold ;— 
And, o'er his back, the plumes adorned with gold. — 30 
-To no conception he existence owes, 
The father and the son at once he shows, 
Alternately resuming youthful breath, 
As oft as passing through the scene of death. 
For when a thousand years has Summer run,— 35 
As often Winter equal course begun,— 
And Spring, the husbandman, brought shady store, 
Which Autumn from the spreading branches tore, — 
The Pbenix then, oppressed by weight of years, 
To sink at length beneath the load, appears. 40 

So, overpow'red by storms, the lofty pine . 
Inclines his top on Caucasus’ high chine ; 
A part, to winds’ incessant shock, gives way : 
The rest to beating rains and time’s decay. 

DIMINISHED now is seen this lustre bright;— ^ 45 
Old age’s languid chill pervades his sight. 
Thus Cynthia, when the clouds obscure her face, 
No longer shows, of dubious horns, the trace. 
His wings, accustomed, ether, to explore, © ' 
Above the humid ground can scarcely soar. 50 
Then, conscious that his age is near the end, 
He preparation makes new life to lend, 
Selects the dryest plants from temp'rate bills, 
With fragrant leaves the pile Sabsean, fills, 








291 


A tomb composes for himself on earth, —— 5 
Where, breath resigned, he takes his future bisth, 
Here sits the bird end, now more feeble crown, 
Salutes the beaming Sun in fattsing me, — ti 
Prayer mixes with the plaintive seng be sings, 
Desiring flame, that back, fresh vigour, brings. . 60 
When Phoebus sees him, as his chariot rolla, IE 
He stops, and thus, the fev rite bird, cousoles 5 

* O Purnix! ready on the pile of death, 
* At once to render up thy aged breath, — 
* And, thus prepared at isngth 4o meet thy doom, 6s 
* Gain natal changes from fallacious tomb, 
* Who, from destruction, att produced again, 
* And, through departed life, dest bloom obtain ;— 
* Resume beginning :—worn out frame, forsake ;— 
** And, by mutation, form more active, take.” . 70 

Tuis said, with moving head gold beams de darts, . 
And, vital splendour to the bird, imperts. 
The Phenix willmgly receives the Gre: 
Joy feels to die, nod then anew respire ; elo 
The heap of perfumes burns with solar rays, 75 
And ancient features perish "nid the blaze. 
Th’ astonished Moow restrains her bullocks’ course; 
The Heav’ns, dull wheels, no longer forward force; 
All Nature in solicitude appears ;— 
Lest lost th’ eternel bird, disclosing fears ;— 80 
Fans faithful flames that freely they may burn i—- 
Th’ immortal glory of the world, return. 

' AT length the scattered frame new vigour shows ; 
Through ev'ry vein, the blood repássing flows 3. 
The ashes of themselves begin to move ; 85 
And, full of plumes, the shapeless embers prove. 

202 


293 


Just what the father was, forth comes the son, 
And now,.of life, a fresh career's begun. . 
Fire interposed, with momentary space, ! 
Divides the line where doubly life we trace. 90 
AN anxious wish at once his breast pervades, 
‘To consecrate, on Nile, paternal shades, 
And bear to regions of Egyptian earth, 
The heap of ashes whence derived new birth; 
To foreign elime he fites on rapid wing, 95 
Intent, remains in grassy tomb, to bring. : 
Itmumerable birds, his flight, attend : ' 
Battalions thick, tlirough air, their pinions bend, . a 
The feathered cohorts, cloged on ev'ry side, Q0 
His varying course along the welkin hide. . 100 
Nor one among the multitude around, ' 
To cross the- path audaciously is found ; 4 
But, to the éragrant monarch, all give way, a 
And highest adoration freely pay. 
The hawk and Tuunp’etr’s bird, fierce war, meget —- 
Pacifick compact, springing from respect. 
>THE Parthian king thus leads BARRARIAN ranks, 
From undulating Tigris! yellow banks; : 
Proud of rich dress and gems around. him spread, 
He, royal garlands, places on his head ;— eee | 10 
Reins formed of gold, his noble courser; guide :— . . 
Robe, from Assyrian needle, purple dyed; : 
"Mid treops that servilely, commands, obey, . ' 
Himself he shows elated with his sway. eno atu 
In; Eggpt's cline a famous city* lies; ^. ; .115 
Which, sacrifices, for.the Sun, supplies; / 0007 


* Heliopolis. 


1 


The Phenix thither, to the teniple goes : 

The dome, a hundred Theban columns, shows ; 

There he deposits relicks of his sire ;— 

Adores the god ;—his burden, gives the fire ; 120 
And, of himself, the germ and last remains - 

He consecrates where holy fervour reigns., | 

From myrrh, through all the limits, lustre flies, ! 


And fumes divine upon the altars rise ; EN | v 
The Indian odours reach Pelusium’s* fen, . ., : 128 
'The nostrils, titillate 1—yield. health to men ;, 4 


one vapours, by the richest perfumes, fed, 

et Niles se sev mouths, 1 more sweet than Nectar, spread. 

^O Harpy 'bird'! that from thyself canst spring; 

DxraATHB's blows, to all besides, destruction bring; — 130 
And while to others Tengthengd life's denied, — 
With strength and vigour new art thou supplied. 
On thee through ashes is fresh birth conferred : 
Age dies,— but, thou immortal art averred. 
Whatever was has passed before thy sight: |= 135 
The witness of revolving periods’ flight ;— : 
O'er lofty rocks the swelling waters hurled ;— 
The year that Phaeton inflamed the world. 
No slaughters ever thee deprive of breath ;— 
Escaped :—E4 2TH vanquished vainly asks thy death; 140 
Thy thread of life the Parce ne'er divide : 
No. pow’rs of hurting thee, with them reside, | 


* At the farthest part of the Nile. 
I * op 


Cad 
a. 


206 
IDYL iL 
THE PORCUPINE. 


— 


Tuy birds Stymphalus, I have oft been told, 
Darts scattered, bearing death, in flight, of old ; 
Nor could T easily my reason bring, ! 
To credit tales, —that iron armed thir wing. 
My doubts are gone; the Porcupine alone — 
Proves true those fowls by Hercules o 'erthrown. | 
Muvca like the swine, her length of snout appears ; 
As horns erect, her forehead, bristles, rears ; 
A fiery brightness sparkling in her eyes ; ; 
‘A hairy back :—dog's feet of dwarfish size. 
Yet Nature has, this creature small, supplied 
With pow'rs that, wonderful defence, provide. 
A threat'ning forest o'er her body stands ; 
In contests corn, with pointed top, expands, 
Which, deeply rooted in the skin, displays, 
Alternately in spaces, sable rays : | 
Protrudes in manner of a solid dart, 
Diminishing till formed the sharpest part. 
But this projection don't erect remain, 
Like prickles seen on hedgehogs of the plain; 
The Porcupine, in w ar, can weapons send*, 
And, at a distance e'en, herself, defend : 
A nat'ral arrow from her back, through air, 
By nature's movements, hurl, dismay to bear. 
At times, like Parthians, wounds she gives in flight, 
To those pursuing eagerly the fight ; 


9 This is fabulous. 


. 10 


15 


~ Q0 


25 





«40$ e 
And then amid the camp, where prudence seemed 
To choose the' spot that might seeure be deemed, 
Terrifick spikes, in thickest show’rs, she throws, 
And, on ber shoulders, native javelins, shows. 
Each part is ready seen for war's alarms, 
And, shaken, yields the direfol din of arms ; 


The noise is heard like these when troops engago,— 


The clerions' elunger "mid tbe battle's rage, 
Which stimulate battalions by their sound, — 
Such fury in thid little creatpre’s found. — 
Besides those weapons, she possesses art, 
And can disguise awhile her inward smart ; 


No useless shafts she shoots ;—threats wisely tries : 


Alone to shield her life, aa arrow flies. 

Devoid of error is each effort made, 

And certainty in ev'ty blow displayed, 

The distance of the interval, —tbhe same : 

Without deception still is found her aim ;— 

The movement of her skin, the dart, directs, 

The space to measure, and, the stroke, effects. 
WHat industry, possessed by human kind, 

Can, from sagacity, more profit find? 

Men, cruel horns from goats Gortynian*, tear, 

And, flexible to make, with fire prepare;— — 


String, from bull's entrails use, the curve to bend ; 


Darts, plume and arm with iron at the end. 
This little animal howe'er behold, 

With shafts spread o'er, by her at will controlled ; 
She seeks no aid external ;—all can show : 
Herself the quiver, arrow, aud the bow. 


. Gortyit i$ a oity of Crete. 


30 


35 


sq 


» 55 


296 


In her alone united we perceive, 
Whate'er the art of warriours ean achieve. 
If, from example, that exertion rise, 


Which, life, with kpowledge by degrees, suppliet, 


This creature doubtless, has the manner shown, 
By which, on foes far.off, destruction's thrown. 
To her their skill, in fight, Cydonians owe ;— 
The Parthians, back in flight, to give. the blow ;— 
Relying on the first discovered art, ; 

By quadruped that bears the pointed dart. : 


'" IDYL Il. 
THE CRAMP-FISH. 


eufiesmne 


Wo has not heard th’ insuperable skill, 
The cruel Cramp-fish can display at will, 
The nat’ral venom that pervades her frame, 
And stamps with truth the image of her name? 
She gently creeps; her languid length, expands ;— 
And slowly draws herself. through compact sands. 
But NATURE has with poison armed her sides, 
And added cold that in the marrow glides, 
From which all animation numbness feels, 
And, through each vein, the chill of winter steals. 
The parent kind, her cunning wiles, enjoys ; 
She, conscious of the gift, her skill employs ; 
Upon the grass-wrack, stretches at her ease, 
Confiding in her touch the prey to seize, 


10 


297. 


Delighted engves ¢o:exereise het pow'rs,. . 45 
And, palpitating limbs, in haste, ‘devours. - E 

If heedlessly she swallow baited crooks, 

And find herself restramed by cutving hooks, : 

She neither flees nor: tries by. fruitless bite, 

At once to sever. what prevents her'flight, — ^ ^^: 90. 
But, nearer to the.fatal line, repairs ;^ E | 
Though captive; retollects the gifts she shares; — | 
And, at a distance; through the wavy'main, — 5. ^. 
Diffuses vapour:from envenomed vein. 
The hairy string, the.poison passes‘o’er ;— 285 
Leaves floods to-Teach.the man. upon the shore; «i ' 
Chill rises from:the: Dex», and thet proceeds 

Along the pendent thread, cross knotty reeds ;— : 

The blood, congeals j—-the horrid: bane, copas; 

And binds in icy-cháins victorious hands. . ' . '" 30 
Away the fatal, strugpling prey is tost : vo To ee 
The fisher home-réturns,— reed, ll things lost..' § 


C .H * .. . . 074 ' C7 


Ss, EEDMEENMEIUM 
oe 8 . (0 T £0, dA. SJ 24 
- qDYL ve Co 02,8 
UOlMPHE NILE,Q 7 5 0:0 7879 
« we V. eo. sa yey pfs hele 


THE man, who ploughs th’ Egyptian ‘soil, ‘how blessede! 
No wish for sable clouds pervades his .preast,. " n EM 
Nor supplicates he, that with bois&'gous forge. ..^ «a. g 
The winds may from the West direvt. thew COURSE): ^c. 
With heavy floods of rain diffusing cold, — ; | ' 6 
Nor, ‘bow of various colours, to behold, DP as 

Vor.l. °C PT ' 


498 


Without dense vapours, fraitful prové those plaine ; 

' The earth a full supply of moisture gamis; — 

The Leav’ns are unsolicited to yield 

Or breeze or waters for the fertile field ; 10 
The passing stream bestows the cheering smile: — 

The waves that overflow the banks of Nile, 

Which, bursting from the caves of Souruban Bus, 
Across the torrid: zene with awiftness run ; 

Endure the heat, the burniag Cras éxpands;— 15 
From secret sources, winding, lave our: lande, 

Fpunts vainly sought, which always lie concealed : 

The hidden head to none was e'er revealedf, 

The copious floods withont.a witness r$sb : 

Their birth acknowledged under ether skies. 20 
The river thence his course through Libya bends ;— 

To thousand Ethiopian realms, extends; 

Feeds regions ever sconched by sultry vay ;-— 

"Mong natione suff ring thirst, pursues his way ;— 

By Meroé and black Syené flows ;— 95 
"To cruel BlemmyesT meand'ring goes ;— 

'The Garamantes|, always unsubdued ;— 

Gyrrhei, under rocks in caverns rude, — 

Who tame wild beasts,-—pff ebon-branches tear, — | 
From elephants the tusk of iv Ty, bear ;— 30 


* The poet alludes to his mative spot, Egypt. | 
E ‘Discovered at op d by Bruce. Yet in the Delphin. edition of. 
our author, pririted at Paris so early at 1677, a long and curious note - 
. @age 647,) disclesds à bkvwwledge of fte souree of thia river very si- 
miler to pbat-of the Bidtich tiweties. e. 
¢ A fabulous people ef Eibiopla wifom isis having their meubs | 
. and eyes in the breast. 
| Inhabitants ef part of Li bya. 





£99 


And peoples that, a twine of arrews, spread, 
For combat always ready, round the head. 
Nok does this stream increase like others owe, 

To common cause or time, which rivers show ; 

He neither swells with ice that melts from hills, 35 

Nor rain abundant round, the channel, fills. 

For while sad winter, other waters, bloats, 

The Nile, withia bis banks, unrufüed floats ; 

And when decrease each feeble river knows; 

Tus, changing order, all his bounds o'erthrows. 40 

From ever-bounteous NATURE, back he gains 

What summer's beat from various streams obtains ; 

And scattered floods, through all earth’s empire, sought, 

Are in s single course together brought. 

When, flame, the Doc-STAR adds to Solar ray,— .— 45 

Absorbes the dews,— blocks pores of burning clay, — 

And all the atmosphere, that lies around, 

Is, full of pow’rful, boiling vapours, found, 

To Nile then WiNTER, diff'rent seasons, bears:— 

The husbandman, accustomed waters, shares ; 50 

Not seas /Egtan take so large a sweep; 

The waves, more furious than th’ Ionian Drep, 

A liquid surface to the fallows, yield, 

O'erspreading far and wide th’ extensive field. 

Each plain is drowned ;—the oer, on ploughlands, rowst — 

And oft the shepherd, when he quits repose, 

Perhaps, in summer suddenly beholds, 

'Mid undulations swimming P and folds. 
2P9 


$ Inhabitants of Moro. 


300 


IDYL V. 
THE LOADSTONE. 


nega 


WHOFr’ER, in mundane secrets, seeks to dive,— 
Of seeds, from reason knowledge to derive ;— 
How, o'er the Moon, eclipses make their way ; 
What causes darkness in the orb of day; — - 
Whence comets,—growing red with tail of fire ; 
From what retreats, impetuous winds respire ; 
What terrours shake the bowels of the earth ; 
What yawning clefts, to lightuing's flash, give birth ; 
How, in the welkin, clquds of thunder grow ; 
What light gives various tints to Iris’ bow :— 
Let him to me this mystery unfold, 

If truth without disguise he can behold. 

A Rock there is, of blackish, abject frame, 
Devoid of clearness :—LoAnpsToNE is its name; 
Seen is it never on tbe monarcb's bair, 

Nor round the neck to decorate the Fata, 
Nor on the sword-belt does it meet the light, . 
With coruscations dazzling to the sight, 
Observe the pow'r miraculous it shows ; 

The choicest ornaments not such disclose :— 
Excelling all that Indjans e'er explore, 
Among the grass-wrack, on the Red-Sea shore. 
From solid bars of steel it, life, derives, 

And on the hardness of the iron thrives ; 


15 


Sweet feasts aud strength renewed from this it gains ;— 


Hard aliments diffused through all the veins, 
Giye animation fresh to ev'ry nerve, 
And secret yigour equally preserve. 





21 


From this if sbsent, languishing it lies;— : .— 
The whole grows dull with hunger, —thirsts,—end dies, 
Mans, whose dread spear proud cities overturns, 
And Venus, who delights the heart that burns, . 
Within the go]den temple hold a space, © 
Where equally at ease themselves they place. 
Two statues, there, of these Hien Pow'ns, are seen; 35 
Steel marks W.an's Gop: a Loadstone Beauty's QUEEN, 
The priest, who ancient usages reveres, 
In form their vows of matrimony, hears. 
The joyful choirs by nuptial torch are led; 
Around the entéance, myrtle-branches spread ; 40 
The sweetest roses on the couch are placed, 
And all the bridal bed with purple graced. 
Here rises then a scene of wondrous acta: 
Her husband, Venus willingly attracts, 
And, imitating former Heavn'ly ways, 45 
Mars, ’gainst ber palpitating bosom lays; | 
Suspends the weight: his helmet twines with arms, 
And clasps the god as if the living charms. 
Th’ ImmMortaL WARRIOUR, by the grasp inspired, 
Is, by the secret springs of wedlock, fired; — — 50 
From Nature both obtained the marriage ties; 
Breath, steel, connects: the junction yields surprise, 
In these two min'rals, whence proceeds the cause, 
That mutually, their inclination, draws? 
What concord coupled such unpliant minds? 55 
The Loadstone, burning aphelation, finds, — | 
Appears, from friendly iron, wounds to feel ; 
And loves delightful warmth pervades the steel. 
Tuus Cytherea, by her charms divine, 
Is wont War's Gop with chains of flow'rs to twine; 60 


52 . 


In scenes of blood when amileis te eaguge, 
And unsiteatiéd tichion stimulates his rage. 
His coursers flores, the guddess stops alone ; 
Appeases throbbings in bis bosem known ; 
With flame benign she mitigates the omart, . 65 
That penetrates recesses of the heart ; 
His mind grows calm, the batele he forsakes, 
And, bending radiant tufts, sweet kisses, takes. — 
O Cauzr Boy !* by thes what pow’r is shown: 
Thy wiles, the force of thender, have o'ertbtown, 60 
Thou, Jove, conetraiw'st to quit the quure skies, — 
And loudly rear where foaming billows rise ; 
The stubborn rovks, and stetucs lifeless made, 
Have, sense of feeling, from thy darts, displayed ; 
The rugged stone is subject to thy eim, 1$ 
And poignant smart to suffer from the flame. 
By love's allurements o’en is iran moved ; 
And victor has tly toreh o'er eate proved. 


IDYL VÍ. 
APON USt. 


O Groniovs fount! extending life to those, 
Who, ’mid Antenor’s lofty wails, repose, 
And driving venom from the waters round : 
When, from thy prodigies, voice, mutes have found ;— 


* Cupid. 
¢ A fountain and village of Italy, near the river Timevus, where 
Livy was boro, with hot baths, now called dibaxe. 








398: 
By inspiration, soug, the poets raise pee «| 


And eager hands, with tnarke, attest thy poalec: 


If silent I permit thy maves.to flow, 


Would N yásibsis apd Mwyeus not displeasure show? 


"I would be a crime te laevo ‘this place uxisumy, 
Which, eulogy, seceives feem ev'ry tetgub. 

Nor quite a hill, yet rising o'er the feids, 
‘The swelling ground, an; easy passage, yields. : 
A copious, teped stream, from caverus’ source, 
Impregnated with fre, there tales its course. - 
The floods, oasnpseseed beneath tim fuming reck, 





Resound through sliasy ways, and, clefts, unlock. - 


Wet, igneous elements pervade the piaee ;^— 

Volcanick heat :—the veal of salph’rous traee. 

Who, steril, would: set fancy all the land? 

Yet verdant meadows, gayest smiles, expan ; 

The rugged 4int, by calcination drawn, 

Lies hidden in th’ enamed of the lawn ; 

And, where hard stones ane iiquified by fire, 

‘The herbs, contemning flame, in green respire. - 

Large furrowg, deepened in the marble round, 

To cross the opening rock, in length ate found. 

These (FAME reports) are from Alcides" plough, 

Or rather chance, the narrow tracks avow. 
AMID the rising earth, a heated tide 

Is seen, the image of an ocean wide; 

The azure lake with mouth immense extends, - 

And, space of much dilation, comprehends. 

Bat greater still it enters caverns deep; 

Through hollow, secret rocks, the waters creep; 

In spite of exhalations thick that spring,-— 

The touch and taste that leave pernicious sting, 


1$ 


26 . 


304. 


The same continually the wttves- appear, 

The surface always like the crystal clear. 

Not villing NATURE seems howe'er to hide, . 
' From ev'ry sense, tiie course those billows ghde, 40 

But suffers eyes to;penetrate.the'spaee; ^... — ^ 

Which fire forbids the: human ‘steps to trace. 

When winds disperse the vapours which arise,’ : 

And sweep the:smoke,-on-bjue expanse;'that lees, . 

We wond ring then, transparent depth, beliold.- — — 45 

The shining spears, bequests from: kings. of old. - 

Between these: artis; where sable snhds are test, 

The headlong stream within the guiph is last. 

The narrow entrances are seen below}; ^-^ c 

Through wbich.te caves.the undulations flow.. . — 50 

The mountain's inner patt is open.leid : - 

An.arch, susptaded o'er the fleods, displayed.  : 

By lively shades the vapours dense are crowned : 

Light earth, above, like bark, floats freely round. 

Beneath man’s.weight, though threat'ning to give way, 55 

The trembling feet tread safely on the clay. ü 

By tuman hands the work we might suppose, 

Such regularity the border shows: 

So very thin and yet secure remains;— 

Stiff durability each part sustains.' 2E 60 

The lake with water. full is always found, 

Asif afraid to overleap the bound. 

Yet down steep rocks the rolling surplus goes, 

And, o'er the sloping fields at random, flows ; 

The floods, for winding paths, leave native course; 65 

From thence through pipes of lead a passage, force. 

With humid embers crusted ev'ry side, 

The tubes see showy waves in silence glide ; 


T 


\ 








305° 


To various quarters, treasures they. impart, 
Relying, through the bending way, on art, 
Pursuing channels fashioned by the hand, 
Roll undulations o'er the passes planned : 
Run under arches which the line pervade, — 
Join rapid floods that warm by heat are made, 
From which the. bagnios, temp rature, acquire, 
Affected by.the touch of creeping fire. 
The frothy vapours hasten from -within, 
When, 'gainst the rock, resounds the waters’ din. 
There men, by perspirations feeble grown, 
To baths of more tepidity are showo. 

ApiEu! Peonian fount, whose waves excel : 
O glory great of Trojan earth, farewell ! 
Diseases’ comfort, aid by healers sought, 
Propitious deity of health unbought ! 
His borders whether Phiegethon below 
Has burst, and thence those ebullitions flow, 
Which, from the dreary regions as they stray, 
Fire subterranean to our globe, convey ;— 
Or water cold, that drops in sulph’rous veins, 
There flame receiving, still the smell retains ;—- 
Or that the hill, from whence the floods arise, 
In due proportion, heat and wave,.supplies, 
Within itself, the elements, combines, 
And each to certain quantities confines, ' 
Their forces equal, both in turn submit, 
Alike the balance for each other fit : 
Whichever be the cause, or whence begun, 
The spring would surely, undeereed, ne'er run. 
For such high-virtues who, en chance, relies? 
Or, that the gods bestowed the boon, denies? « 

Vor. II 2Q 


70 


75 


80 


95 


- 100 





The father of the world, who ages rolls, 

As he the motion of the stars controls, 

O fountain, thee, for adoration gave, 

Among Heay'n's sacred things that homage crave, 

And pity taking on our fragile birth, 

Salubrious waters ordered from the earth : | 
Then streams, intent the thread of FATE to stop, 105 
Burst forth from opening on the mountain-top. 

O residents, your happiness confess, | 

Who, to yourselves, thus Aponus possess ! 

Not earthly pestilence nor SouyHERN Bzasr, . 

Nor Doc-Star’s heaf, on you fell fire, can cast. 110 
Though Lachesis, life's limit, bas assigned, — — 

Yet, by this waye, Tuxse, rigour softened, find. 

For if sad tumours on the mbs arise, 

Or, through the bowels, gall vexatious flies, 

No vein they open, wound by wound to cure ;— 11j 
No herbs of nauseous taste, their lips endure ;— 

Lost strength, by water they with ease regain, . 

And, making play pf sickness, banish pain. 


IDYL VII. 


ON THE PIOUS BROTHERS, AMPHINOMUS AND 
ANAPUS, AND THEIR STATUES AT CATINA. 


Gon 


BENEATH a precious load, two brothers, view, 
To whom, like pow'rs divine, is homage due; 
The rapid flames to them high rev'rence pay; 
And JEtne, wond'ring, torebes thrusts away. 


307 


Upon their neeks the weight of parents rests, 5 
Whom earnestly they press against their breasts, m 
And, casting fervent looks upon the sky, 

To haste their steps with eagerness they try. | 

In arms of sons are carried aged friends : 

Delay occasioned, gratitude, extends, . 19 
See that old «an, he points at furious blaze; 

That mother seeks her trembling voice to raise 

vind, gods, invoke ; fright, stiff their hair, bas made; 
Pale fear through all the metal is displayed. : 

A gen'rous horrour in the youths appears : i 
No dread for selves, but Tuesz they bear Iu YeAns. 
Their flowing mantles, by the zephyrs blown, 

Ín floating eir, back carelessly are thrown. . 

With his right hand extended, this remains,’ 

While with the left his father he sustains ;. ! 20 
That, for the weaker sex, exerting cares, 

With interlacing hands, his mother, bears. 

PERHAPS unnoticed you, the works, might pass, 
Disclosing merit ef superior class. 

We, kindred features in the brothers, view:—- . a5 
The parents’ looks alike to NATURE true. | 
The artist's genius manages to trace 

Commingled shades of diff'rence in the face ;— 

The father, mother, in théir children's mien, | 
With nice distinctions, equally are seen ; 30 
In brothers like, diversity to make, 

The lineaments, dilection varied, take. 

O Sons who, Heav'nly excellence, unfold, — 
Of youth, the models, —wishes of the old, — 
Who, slighting riches, sought alone to bear, 35 
From flame, those ancestors of hoary hair : 


2Q2 


$08 


Pure virtues, meriting such high applause, 
Restrained, no doubt, Enceladus’ fierce jaws ; 
The fires of /Etna were by Vulcan closed, — 
Lest sacred works should be, to hurt, exposed. 40 
High reverence tbe elements bestowed, 
On pious conduct that the brothers showed ; 
To prop thesire, ErngREAL Pow’ss gave aid : 
The mother to support, EARTH efforts made. 
lr friendship placed, amid the starry frame, 45 
The sons* of, Leda, twins of splendid name ;— 
1f, from Troy's flames, /Eneas bore his sire, 
And thence, immortal honours, could acquire ;— 
If fame of ojd, the Grecian brothers] knew, 
Who, in the yoke, their mother’s chariot, drew : 50 
Why don't Sicilians, eacred' temples, raise, 
To consecrate Amphinomus’ just praise ?: 
And, on Anapus, equally bestow, , 
Those holy altars that, attention, show ? 
Thougb,. num'rous glories, bas that island brought, 55 
Not one a greater prodigy was thought. 
No longer weep :—away afflictions dire, 
For ravages produced by wand'ring fire ; 
No more bewail the domes, that flames pursued ;— 
If stopped, this piety had ne'er been viewed; 60 
And Catana, while round destruction reigned, 
From conflagration, lasting honour, geined. 


9 Castor and Pollux. 
+ Cleobis and Biton, sons of Argia, the priestess. Szz Cic. T'usc. 1. 47 


EPIGRAMS. 











EPIGRAM I. | 
THE GALLIC MULES. ; 


Sz, on the borders where Rhone’s waters glide, 

The docile mules, in yokes together tied, 

Commands to join or separate, obey, 

And vary as the voice directs their way. 

Though, on their bending necks, hang loosened reins, 5 
And freedom open to their will remains, — 

Slaves unrestrained, BARBARIAN's words they hear, 
And, as they labour, lend attentive ear. 

Far off, the master’s call receives respect : | 

His tones impressive, change of steps, direct. ~ 10 
By this assembled are they from the plain : 

That equally disperses them again. 

By turns his accents stop their flight begun, 

Or instigate them at his wish to run. 

If, to the left, he say, that course they take; 15 
Change he the note,—then, £o the right, they make. 
Nor does, servility, the harness give ;— 

No fierceness, —though in liberty they live. 

Their minds in union,—dressed in tawny skin, 

They draw the cart with harshly creaking din. 20 
No wonder Orpheus’ voice tamed beasts of field, 

Since mules, to Gallic tongue, obedience yield. 


312 


EPIGRAM II. 
THE OLD MAN OF VERONA. 


Lud 


How blessed the man who, 'mid paternal plains, 
Through life's long course with constancy, remains ; 
The house, that met his eyes in boyish years, 
Still proves his own when hoary age appears ; 
And, while with staff he struggles through the ground, 5 
He seasons counts, his roof has seen go round. 
Capricious Forrune, him, no troubles, gave, 
Nor wandered he'to taste the distant wave. 
No merchant,—dreading floods that lash the shore ; 
No soldier, —shudd' ring at the clarions’ roar ; 10 
The clamours never, of the courts of law, 
Assailed his ears with sounds of quibbling flaw. 
A stranger to affairs or cities near, 
He more enjoys the sight of ether clear ;— 
Computes revolving time by crops of corn,— 15 
Not names that splendid consul-robes adorn. | 
To him the apples, signs of Autumn, bring, 
And opening flow'rs announce return of Spring; 
The very field, that views the Sun's decline, 
Again receives at morn the ray divine; 20 
The circle that at once his eyes survey, 
To hir appears the measure of the day ; 
The oaks majestick, back to mem'ry; call 
Their gradual rising from the acorn small ; 
The neighb'ring wood, he takes delight to view : 25 
His own coeval trees, that with him grew. | 
Though near Verona, yet to him the place 
Is equally rémote with India's race; 


313 


Benacus’ lake. be truly knows no more, | 
Than waves that roll upon the Red Sea shore. 30 
But yet his strength invincible is found, 

And, three-fold pregeny, he sees áround. 

Let others travel far as distant Spain ;— 

More ways £hpse know: most days to this remain. 


EPIGRAM Iit. 
THE WILD BOAR AND THE LION. 


A SavAGE boar, the lion's strength, defied ; 
Their force in contest furiously they tried ; 
The former's horrid bristles stood erect : 
The other’s mane disclosed the like effect. 
The first, the Gop or Wan high praises gives : $ 
The last with Cybelé in favour lives. 
Each, through the craggy mountains, spreads alarms, 
And both fatigued the great Alcides’ arms. — 


EPIGRAM IV. 
DESCRIPTION OF A HERD OF CATTLE. 


A FRAGMENT. 


Sete 


Wuite under laws of three-fold Geryon,— EARTE 
Ne'er gave, to such a herd of cattle, birth. 
Voz. IL. 2k 





314 


. No bullocks from thy wave, Clitumnus, rise, 

In equal whiteness to beholding eyes, 

A pious off ring.on those altars made, 5 
That, Jupiter's Tarpetan dome, pervade. 

Not such the bull* that bore the precious loadt, 

And raised the dust which strewed the Tyrian road. 
Nor Cretan fields}, nor Gnossus’| love-scene dread, 
Nor Ida, animals so fine e’er fed. 10 
. The monster,{ beast and mortal’s form composed, 
Whose novel face, a mather’s crime, disclosed, 

Had ne’er such beauty offered to the view, 

Though ev'ry limb had, to the sire, been true. 


EPIGRAM V. 
THE CONCH. 


Lrr Heliconian Nv w»us, clear waters, place 
Within this precious Concn’s wide-yawning space ; 
For streams that, sage Serena's features, lave, 
Divine will prove beyond Castalia's wave. 


* Jupiter in the form of a bull. ^ + Europa. 
$ Where the furious bull grazed which angry Neptune placed in 
Crete. 
l| The city of Crete where Pasipha fell in love with the bull. 
$ The Minotaur. 


| 





315 


EPIGRAM VI. — (ox 


THE CRYSTAL, 
HAVING WATER WITHIN. 





In this the mark of prior NATURE lies: 
Part stone becomes, and part, the cold, defies ; 
Harsh WINTER here, sagacity, displays, 
And, in the work, discloses frisky ways ; 
The gem, not solid, greater value, gains : 5 
Within, confined the living wave remains. 


EPIGRAM VII. 
ON THE SAME, 


[D nnnnemmaud 


O WATERS! closed in what was wave of fate, 
That liquids were, and still retain their state, 
What numbing NATURE does, your mass, pervade,— 
Like WinT_ER, hard and soft the whole has made? 
W hat secret fires, unhurt the fluids, hold ? 5 
What SouruüERN Winps unlocked th’ internal cold ? 
In what confinement did the gem obtain, 
From hidden heat, those movements that remain? 
Or whence derived the hardness seen around ? 
Or where the ice-dissolving pow'r was found? 10 


[MM 
EPIGRAM VIII. 
ON THE SAME. - 


meee 


Tue Alpine ice, by piercing cold, obtains 
Solidity, that proof 'geinst heat remains. 


316 


A gem the whole howe'er could not be made: 
Still trait’rous drops the middle part pervade. 

The fault exalts the wondrous liquid-stone ; 

O wayes preserved !—more value thence you own, 


m i 


EPIGRAM IX, 
ON THE SAME- 


In globe pellucid, see the wave is led 
Amid the shining ice to seek a bed. 
The fluid dense, no NonruenwN Breezes, feels : 
To this retreat no chilly season steals ; 
The water to and fro, in various ways, 
Without restraint its moving pow'r displays. 
From Winter sheltered, and the Doc-Srar’s ray, 
No wasting Time will thither bring decay. 


nd 


EPIGRAM X, 
ON THE SAME. 


ue 


A Movinc stream is pent in vaulted cave, 
And, closed by concrete floods, a wand’ring wave, 
Within the cavities, observe the foam : 

In nat'ral basin billows freely roam! 
The humid Iris’ rays opposed, behold :— 
The beams of light repulsed by secret cold. 


Gr 





317 


O wondrous rock, and surge surpassing streams ! 
Still fluid,—still a stone, the substance seems. 





J. EPIGRAM XI. 
ON THE SAME. 


aaqncd)- ao " 


Tux crystal smooth, a boy with joy surveyed, 
And round the frozen mass his fingers laid ; 
He sees, enclosed. within transparent stone, 
The wave that rugged Wine spared alone; 
On arid orb he fixes thirsty fip, 
And Jiquids vainly seeks from thence to sip. 


Lo 
EPIGRAM XII. 
ON THE SAME. 


"Tris globe, resembling marble, don't despise ; 
In royal domes nought equal meets the eyes ; 
Nor do those gems, that Ruppy Szas concealed, 
Superior beauties to beholders yield. 


Th’ unpolished ice, rough rock, with shapeless mien, 


Among the richest ornaments is seen. 
— 
** EPIGRAM XIIT. 
ON THE SAME, 


eure 


Tue crystal, image of the world is found 
The sea within,— the vaulted skies around. 


§ 


* Why, at Salmopeus' thunder, wonder, feel? 15 
* All Nature's plan, those fingers can reveal.” 


* 


* 
t 


EPIGRAM XIX. 
POLYCASTE AND PERDIX. 


Lond 


War dost not thou, O cruel Love, aspire 
To regulate thy own imperious fire? 
Affection to bestow, the mother fears, 
On darling offspring that she fondly rears. 
While clasped, the boy, within her snowy arms, 5 
The nurse maternal feels impure alarms. 
No longer, Cupid, vengeful darts, retain : 
Ask Venus: she perhaps knows equal pain. 





EPIGRAM XX. 


, ON THE GIRTH OF THE ROYAL HORSE, SENT TO 
HONORIUS BY SERENA. 


O Prince revered! this present small receive ; 
A sister’s hands aspired the work to weave ; 
While trappings and the bridle richly shine 
With gold and pearls, let this, your courser, twine, 
On herbage fed which in Armenia grows, 3 
Or bathed by Halys with Argeean snows: 
That champs with eager mouth the em'ralds green, 
And Tyrian purple o'er his back is seen. 


From friendship pure, that in Serena reigns,. 
Who, in the fabrication, pleasure takes, 


321 


The smallness of the gift more. price obtains, 
10 


And ornaments, far brothers’ horses, makes. 
. ÉPIGRAM XXI. | 
- ON A.GIRTH, SENT BY THE SAME, TO ARCADIUS. 


3 . 
* - . LI bad . [] 
' 


Tuts girth, of. wondrous art and shining thread, 
Round your. fleet courser, suffer to be.spread, 
Sent, by a sister, from th’ Hesperian clime, _ 

To brother, on the Orient throne sublime. 
E’en swift Arion* might to such aspire, 
And Castor, for his horset the like desire. 


6s .EPIGRAM. XXIÍ. 
ON THE MANTLE AND BRIDLES, SENT.BY THE SAME. 
TO HONORIUS. 


n [5:5 . MEL 
Nor oft the mother fond was led to yield, 
To her Achilles, favour of a shield, 
Which, to the diff'rént nations placed around, - 
Should constantly be formidable found : 
Vor. II 028 


* A celebrated fleet horse of antiquity, belonging to Adtastas, king 


of the Argives. 
t Cyllarus. 


322 
And rarely to the Lemmiah cavérns came, "' $ 
To that Immontax'who directs the flanie, 
A helmet for this drHing son to crave; 
With tufts aloft that, o’er the top, might wave; 
But for him worked delightful robes of peace, 
To shine ’mong Grecian kings when wars should cease. 
With her own hands, she richest mantles wove : 
To mix gold thread &fid purple; Thetis strove ; 
And, bridles;déckéd with gems, from Rep Si ii brought,.— 
Of Xanthus* swift and Balius*, worthy thought. 
SERENA, prince, and Stilicho contend, 15 
To you, which inust shal? pleasitig presente send. 
This, martial gifts, beástows,-—BARBARIANS siti, 
And triumphs that, the Rhine’s obedience, juin : 
Content the other, model of her sex, 3 
To weave the tissue that, the sov'reign, decks... — 40 


m —Ó 
t 


EPIG RAM XXIII. 


QN, THE BRIDLE, TRAPPINGS, AND GIRTH, OF HONO- 
: RIUSS- BORSB,: SENT BY SERENA. 


iia 


O Happy courser, by th’ IMMORTALS' sway, 
Designed the ‘Sacre! bridle to obey t-—— «:055 
In fields Iberian, whettitr loosely few = 
Thy mane before the pláyfat whids that bles j—- 
Or, 'mid the ice ia ‘Cappadbcian wale, | 2:00. § 
Thee, wont were snows Arfvedn to assail ; . 


Ld 


* Achilles's horses. 











323 


Or thou wert used to.skim Thessalian ground, 

O'er fruitful pastures rapidly to bound : 

Receive imperial dress ;—raise high thy neck ; 

And foam diffuse, the em ralds green, to deck, . 10 
Let precious stones in circles grace thy head ;— 

Thy shoulders, gold and purple overspread ;— 

Thy sides, a girth adorned witb flow’rs intwine, - 

The work of chaste Serena’s hands divine. . 

The Persian elegance, her labour shows : 15 
Maternal care within her bosom glows ;— 

Equestrian trappings readily she weaves, 

Since splendour thence her son-in-law receives, 


EPIGRAM XXIV. 
PETITION TO THE QUESTOR ALETHIUS, 


Ir imposition on iny lip be found, 

May Summer, in the Ethiopian ground, 

And rugged WINTER, me unclad, surprise, . 

"Mid 1cy cold beneath the Scythian skies : 

May I spread sails upon th’ Ionian DEEpP, 5 

When Suow'gy Krps at night, the surface, sweep ;— 

The verses of a sour grammarian, tear, 

Forced Hellish Furies’ whips myself to bear. 

But no pert boldness has possessed my mind : 

Our pen, to no unusual range, inclined. 19 

Some lines imprudently I've blamed, I own: 

Ales! the crime by me was quite unknown. 
252 





394 


At Orpheus’ pages, others safely rail : 

To make thee sure, thy bays, O Virgil, fail; 
E'en Homer, father of the tuneful art, ]ó — 
High prince of Helicon, bore censure's* dart, 

These accusations don't howe'er belong, 

To lofty Maro or the Sige or Sone; 

For neither of the bards a QuzstTor moved ; 

Alike they both devoid of riches proved! 20 
Now see what plaudits I at length bestow : 

Surprised, —to all thy works I rev'rence show ;— 
Thrice,—four-fold,—loudly I applaud thy verse, 

And cry—that’s excellent, —superior,—terse ! 

Forgive my rashness then, —thy rage abate, — 25 
Recite thy lines in peace, —my praises wait. 


SSÉEEDEEEME 


EPIGRAM XXV. 
AGAINST CURETIUS. 


be eed 


Uranivs, father of Curetius, knew, 
False stars on globes of glass, to place in view, — 
Th’ unsteady course of Saturn, freely blamed, — 
And Jove's approach at births, for pelf, proclaimed. 
Now, on the son, the sire’s impostures lie : 5 
His lips, the punishment deserved, supply. 
He crams the cravings of a greedy lass : 
Is seen ‘mid feasts and crime his hours to pass. 


* Zoilus, a grammarian of Amphipolis, was called HomERQMASTIR, 
or Homer's Scourge, because he wrote against the author of the Iliad. 


$25 
The parent’s tongue, by falsehood, heaped his store: - 
With Ais, the heir expends the golden ore. _ 10 





EPIGRAM XXVI. | 
AGAINST THE SAME. 


owe 


Ir thou, Curetius, knowledge seek'st to gain, 
Of stars that o'er thy birth were found to reign, 
Myself will, better even than thy sire, 
Disclose what thou art anxious to acquire. 
Thou ow'st to Mars, in opposition placed, 5 
The fury that within thy breast is traced ;— 
Thy hatred for the ever Sacrep NiNE, 
To Arcas, seen with feebleness to shine ;— 
The vile disease, which thy posteriors bear, 
To female stars, —the Moon and Goppess Farr ;— 10 
To Saturn, dissipation of thy gold ; 
OnE yet remains most doubtful to unfold : 
From whence the foul propensity has sprung, 
In filthiness to gratify thy tongue? 


EPIGRAM XXVII. 
AGAINST JAMES, THE GENERAL OF HORSE. 


I Pray thee, gen'ral James, by Paul's remains, 
And domes, that holy Peter's name sustains, 


346. 
Against spy xerges, don't dread anger beat, . - 
And them, with furipps might, in pieces tear: . 
Then potent Thomas shall, thy breast, defend ;— 5 
Bartholomew on thee to wess attend ; 
No more incursions o'er the Alps be made, 
BARBARIANS, Crivep back-by boly aid ;— 
To thee, Susannah legd her gaezed force ;— 
Whate’er fierce troops, o'er Ister, bend their course, 10 
Like Pharaoh's fiery horses, in the DEEP, 
Let rolling pillows, to perdition, sweep. 
The Getic bands shall feel the avenging sword ;— 
To Roman armies, Thecla*, help, afford ;— 
The falling guest at table, triumph, bring ; 16 
And copious tuns allay the thirsty. sting. 
May, thy right hand, np bostile blood annoy: . 
O valiant James! my stanzas don't destroy ! 


Tapes 


J EPIGRAM XXVIII. 
THE ARMS QF A MAN IN ANGERt. 


THE man with anger rankling in his heart, 
Whate'er he holds becomes at once a dart ; 


* A famous martyr. 
t The Latin title, Rimant1 Texum Ina Facrr, is part of a line 
in Virgil (En. vir. 508): 


€€ 





quod cuique repertum 
*  Rimanti, telum ira facit. i 
: * Then fury makes an instrument of war.” 
Dryden, 707. 








027 
Th’ ugpatiende Mat exch mist of wrath affords, 
Makes ev'ry thing. sabstitute for swords, >: 
All flies, while he's intent on direful harms : 
Whatever rage suggests he torns to arms. 


EPIGRAM XXIX. 
THE GOUTY CRITICK. 


Wuar hast thoy to de with feet? _ 
Faults in verses canst. thou meet, ; 
Who unable prev'st to trace, . 

Step by step, the measured space? 
Thou to criticise pretend, . 
Stanzas by the poet permed !- 

** This \ine hobbles!” such thy cry ; 

*€ That's a tott'ritig word, rely !” 
Think’st thou truly, youty elf” 

STAND should nothing ?>—like thyself ! 


t . 


EPIGRAM XXX. 
. ON MALLIUS THEODORUS AND ADRIAN. 


[rmm 


WnuiLE, day and night in slumber, Mallius lies, 
Th' Egyptian Adrian never shuts his eyes, 
'Things sacred and profane engage each thought, 
By him their plunder eagerly is sought. 


10 


328 


How blessed, O Rome! awake would Mallius keep, 5 
And Adrian constantly indulge in sleep ! 


EPIGRAM XXXI. 
. TO ATERNALIS. 


Wuarevrr Phoebus, from Castalian springs, 
As auguries, in ears of mortals, rings, 
Or oracles, from sacred caves, rehearse, 
Is comprehended constantly in verse. 
No trivial words are to the Muses known; . § 
Apollo prompts me: lays I sound alone. 


— 
EPIGRAM XXXII. _ 
TO MAXIMUS, WHO SENT HONEY. 


appepepeed* 


For me, O Maximus, a present meet, 
Thou honey think'st :—whate'er thou send'st is SwxET. 
EX ' 


EPIGRAM .XXXIII. 


e THE LOCUST. 
A FRAGMENT. 


Tue head is rough; the fiercest eyes, 
Amid the threat'ning front arise ; 





329 
Hard cov'ring guatds hor back from: harms : 
The works of NATURE'are her Anas; 


And ruddy thorns with sharpest end, 
Their blushing points to wound protend. — 


. 


RBPIGRAM XXXIV. : 
THE BATHS OF QUINTIUS. 


——HüaQ t 


A LiTTLE while, stay, trav Mer, stay; 
Rest near clear founts, then take thy way : 
Refreshed by limpid waves, pursue 
The joumey that thou keep'st in view. 
Him thou'lt admire who thus bestowed 
Nice baths upon the rugged road. 


EPIGRAM XXXV. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PORT OF SMYRNA. 


Guidi 


BEurNp the city, lofty hills arise; 
A. quiet sea before the limit lies ; 
The curving horns that, on the entrance, bend, 
The peaceful floods from NonvnERN Wiwos, defend. 
Here waves, disarmed of rage by winding land, 
Encompassed, quietly approach the strand. 
Vox. II. 2T 


330 


EPIGRAM XXXVI 
THE DISTANT VIEW. 


-—— med 


Aw isle far off there lies in bay profound ; 
The undulating floods grow calm around ; 
Across the broken waves two points extend, 
Which form a placid port by. curving begd. 


m———Á— 


EPIGRAM XXXVII. 
THE MARBLE CAR. 


W no, from the marble, such resemblance, drew ? 
Beth car and charioteer alike in view; . 
The coursers equally the, rain directs : 
Though diff'rent, —kindred substance them connects ; 
To car the driver turns ;—to horse the wheels :-— 5 
The other's figure each in turn reveals. 
From whence proceed. those. pow TS that thus surprise :— 
In various limbs a single stone to' rise ! 
To steel the docile block submits each part, 
And fashioned is to sey'ral forms by art. 10 


p— M 


EPIGRAM: XXXVIII. 
A FRAGMENT. 


‘ 


EE 


O'x& shoulders, tied, a sliabby cloak projects ; 
The coursers move :—dressed nicely hairy necks. 








$51 
EPIGRAM XXKEX. 
THE PAUPER IN LOVE. © 


By cruel Poverty I'm torn, 
And Love’s distracting art ; 

The pangs of hunger may be borne: 
Not Cupid’s pierding dart.” 


EPIGRAM Xi 
ON THE SAME. 
A Harr-SrARVED pauper I 
Feel Lovz's tormenting nd 
Two evils I desery : 
The least is hanger dire. 


e 
na ^ 


EPIGRAM XLI. 
THE TOMB OF BEAUTY. 


Tug laws of Destiny decree, 
Thet BeAvTY soon shall fade; 


The Great; a quick declining, seo: 


The Lorry low are laid. 
gT 2 


s 
A lovely Farr here'boried lies ; 5 
Her form from Venus came, - 
With charms enchanting mortal eyes : 
Her death was Envy’s aim. 


. 


EPIGRAM XLII. _ 
THE CASTOREAN MANTLE. 


pum 


A Sxapow solely.of its ‘fame, 
This ancient mantle holds ; 

For, how from Castor shall I name, 
What nothing bright unfolds ? 


Six pieces was the sum it cost, — 5 
The value thence receive ; 

Though confidepce in me be lost, 
The price at least believe. 


EPIGRAM XLII. 


THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 


From fruitful Nile two monstrous creatures rise ; 
This,— jaws devouring,— that, with horrid cries. 





EPIGRAM XLIV. — 
THE SARDONYX-DESK. 


_¢ "4 
Quam 


Tue desk appears an eagle's painted wings ; 
A flow’, rich beauties o'er the. surface, flings ; 
The figure similar, digplayed to sight:. ^ - 
The gem resembling plumeless bird 1n fight. 


EPIGRAM XLV. 
EASTER. - 


—— 


O Cnnrsr! the sov reign of creation’s bound, .-- - 


Of better life the sure restorer found, 

The word and wisdom ef-4he Pow'n Mosr Hicu, 
From faculties divine that in him lie, 

Who gave commynity to ynigbty tealln : 

O thou who, crime, wast known to overwhelm,— 
Corporeal form to wear,—to raise thy voice, _ 
The people to address, —man's form thy choice: 
In Mary's womb, by Heav'n's decree conceived, .- 
Announced by. messenger from skies bélieved, . 
Through whom the bosom of the virgin swelled : 
Th’ unwedded mother, with surprise, belield - — 
Herself allotted secret birtli to bear,— . 

Her own creator's mystery to share. 

In mortal entrails was the author placed, 

‘Who, all the canopy ethereal, waced; . 


16 





$34 
The great contriver, who tlie world designed, 
Was one among the race of hatnds kind, 
And in tranquillity beneath this breast, 
Concealment as desired at will possessed. 20 
He, who th’ exteasive universe controls, 
Not limited by lands, nor wave that roils, 
Nor comprehended in the avere frame, 
To narrow closures of a body, came. 
Thou truly gav'st thyself to slav’ry’s chain, 26 
That us 'gainst mortal stroke ttrou might'st sustain ; 
Solicitous to put to flight fell DrATH, 
To gain this object, yieldedet up thy breath. — 
Earth freed, thou soard’dst to palaces on high, 
Within thy Heav'nly sire's embrace to lie. 30 
O Favoun! Czsar, that his reign may last, 
And long wiih joy each year observe the fast! 


am maed 
** EPIGRAM XLVI. 
THE: SAVIOUR. 


[ omm 


O Tuov, who hold'st the high etertral fire, 
In whom, earth-labours o'er, sage pow rs respire, 
O Christ! immortal fount of life divine, — 
The sire's first Wonp to whom all worlds inchne,— 
Blest prodigy that from a-mether rose, — - 5 
Self-excellence, which virgm wedlock shows, 
Dissolving phrensies_that, th’ Assyriens, swayed, 
And idols vain to which fillse rites were paid ; 











| 385 
Who, to the sev nfold gate, didst wing thy fight, 
And now art seated 'mid celestial height: 10 
O light! of ham whence all arwse,—yield graco,—- 
Redeemer,—saviour,—king of future race! 


Wea | 


. ** EPIGRAM XLVII. 
. THE LORD CHRIST. 


Nrw light; begotten long; the puard of Earrs ; 
Boy born; existing always; yet in birth ; 
Supreme in pow'r ;—the last ;—Christ, sacred name ;— 
Th immortal sire in age, and ALL the same. | 


nsenen 
EPIGRAM XLVII. 
THE PRAISE OF CHRIST. 


TRUE face of God, begot before alt time, 
Now born,—»who: always wast, with pow' sublime ;— 
Creator ere thy Heav'nly light was framed ;— 
The sire of her who is thy perent named ;— | 
Who by thy father, of cbeval years, 5 
Wast sent from limits ef celestial spheres : 
The Worp commanded narrow space to try, 
Pent up withi& the Virgin’s womb to lie;— 
Immensity, no boundaries restrain, | 
Awbile, encompassed, ordered to remain ;— 10 


836 


Whose ray primeval brought at ence to view 

Whatever, from thy might, creation drew : 

First cause thyself,—thy own construction sage,— 
Supporter of vicissitudes of age, 

Enduring changes of corporeal plan, 15 
And bearing inconveniencies of man, 

That thou might'st God disclose to human kind, 

Too long aside to error's path resigned, 

Their sense deceived through num’rous ages tost, 

The image of their great creator lost. 20 
The mother conscious of thy birth was found ; 

The beasts disclosed astonishment around; 

First WisE-MEN saw, with marvellous surprise; 

A star quite new amid the azure skies, 

And, guided by the brightness of the flame, -. 25 
With warm solicitude to find thee came. 

Thou heal'dst the sick,—recal’dst to bodies breath,— 
And life restor'dst to those o'ercome by death. 

These pow'rs possessing, thou descend'st below, 

To prisons of the dead, secure to go; 30 
For, birth to take, and ultimately die, 

The nature of thy Berne don't imply; 

But, darkness chased, to lHeav'n thou tookst thy flight, 
And reach’dst thy father "mid celestial light : 

Perpetual order, rendered to the world, - 35 
And from the universe contagion burled ; 

Sire, Son, and Hoty Guosz, at once the same : 
Three persons joined in orfe, with triple name. 

What more r-—Will truly any one believe; 

That he, who life restored, could death receive? 40 


7 





- EPIGRAM XIX. 
THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST.- 


or 


Tue Angel, to the holy Mary, spoke; 
The veil, that overspreads the future, broke ; 
The virgin instantly a God conceived, 
And, this with equal purity, achieved. . 
Chaldean sages, richest presents, brought,—~ - 5 
The pledges of thy coming grandeur thought: - 
To manhood, myrrh ;—to sov'reign greatness, gold ;— 
And frankinsense—the Pow'& THAT ALL CowTROLLED. 

Curist changed to WiNE the fountain’s limpid wave : - 
This, of divinity, first tokens gave. . 19 
_ Five loaves and fishes two, —enough were found, 

To sate five thousand mouths,—heaps left around. 

Tue blind from birth received the pow'rs of sight, 
And, wond'ring, saw the day's resplendent light. 

Curisrt calling, —Laz'rus from the tomb arose :— 13 
Unloosed the rigid bands that Deata bestows. 

Wusn Peter tottered on the sürgy Deep, 
Christ led him firmly feet and faith to keep. 

Tux woman, who could scarcely life sustain,— 
But touehed his robe ;—the blood, through ev'ry veio, 99 
Resutned its course, —with health accustomed moved : 
Her faith at.once the bealing balsam provéd. 
* THE man, oppressed by palsy many years, 
Walks when at length, commands of Christ, he hears : 
How wonderful !— beheld the ground to tread, $5 
And be himself the bearer of bis bed. 

Vou... | ——$U- 


e 


838 
EPIGRAM L. - 
THE SIRENS. 


dcum 


Tue Sirens,2-sweet enchantets of the waves, 
Winged virgins where the angry Scylla raves, 
And dread Charybdis’ greedy floods are found,— 
Were often wont to raise delightful sound ; 

The fascinatmg monsters, o'er the seas, 


With charnis hid danger,—perils, framed to please. 


In vain the shipping felt the passing gales : 

In vain with fav'ring breeze were filled the sails : 
The vessels stopped, allured by dulcet strain ;— 
Return forgot :—more grateful: to remajn ; 
Devoid of sorrow was exhaled each breath ;— 
Excess of pleasure proved the cause of death. 


," THE PRAISES OF HERCULES. 
ANONYMOUS. 


angen 


O Puesvs! pillar of the Muses found, 


With whose high pow'r Parnassus’ temples sound, 


Come hither, freely j join the joyous choir; 

Aud when, through paths untrodden, I desire, 
To seek the altars of the Sisrexs NINE, 

And reach at length Castalia's springs divine, 
Allow, I pray, that I, with eager lip, —— 

May Hippocrené's wave in triumph sip. - 

No guest am I amid this throng, unknown: 
Thy wreath and laurels on my brow are shown, 


» 


10 








189 


Reward of poets ;—and, ‘to prove my claim, 
I call, though long laid by, my former fame. 
Alcides' praises I aspire to sing, — a 
True son of him whose hands, the TuuNDEAR, fing — 7 
Among th’ Immoarats worthy to be placed, . 1 
For mighty force in ev'ry action traced. | 
What obstacles were to thy. birth opposed ! 
The first beginnings of thy life disclosed, 
When scarcely able Berne to acquire, | ! 
The lofty mien-of thy.celestia? sire. 20 
‘ But, god of Cyrrlia, why this plaintive streiy à— 
"Fhose tender accents that the' strings sustain 7—r - 
While pluyfu) fingers o'er them lightly slide, — . 
Producing sounds which languishingly -— ' 
Away! the menner that with love agrees ; |. 95 
Forsake the grove of fascinating ttces; .— , 
Be no seft-laurels round thy brow diaplayed:, ., 
Inspire my verse benesth the poplers" shade. ^... — " 

ALCMENA longer bore her. iuerden' now, .;;. EK. 
Than times of birth io Nature’a-caurse allow; . 30 
But royal Juno used ber utmost snight,. ' 
To bar this offspring's entragoeto the light ;— 
Refused eonsent that, born, he should appear : 
A new IMMORTAL marking-hy ber fear. | | 
But seed divine, confinetbent, would not braok ; 35 
Delays were vain, —life's way Alcides took. . 
From thence the step-dame'st cause of anger flowed ; 
Ashamed of this defeat, she hatred showed;. 

2U&% 


* The poplar is sacred to Hercules. 
T Juno. 


340 


'Two serpents soon maliciously she sought,  . 
And, them to reach thy early cradle, taught. 40 
'T' advance in haste the horrid snakes prepared ; 
Their scaly nécks with flaming fury glared ; 
Nor was their course by length of folds detained : 
Space, whence the breast removed, hind flexions gained. 
Infernal vapour, breathed from. hisses, came: 0. 45 
Their eyes were red with Deaty’s destrnetive flame ; 
Resounding mouths—fatigued by triforked tongue ; 
And, raging, —from them blackest venom hung. 
O QuEEN of reaims above!. why wiles devise 
To sever Fave’s indissoluble ties? *  " 50 
Why charge those serpents fierce, thy wrath, to boar? 
Why Two, a little infant's limbs to tear? . 
Dost thou, since now the Python is o’erthrown, ^. 
Fear One may vanquished be if risked alone? .. , 
Wert thou each monster in the world to bring ;-— 53 
To arm the-Hydra e'en with-sérpepts'.sting:: : . ' 
Him NATURE would protéct, thy efforts vain; .  .. 
And, from great Jove, descent. his strength maintain. 
THE hideous snakes, tliese orders to obey, «. ! 
Made ready; fury ‘gainst.thee to display... 60 
Thy parent tenfüled when she saw them move, — 
The object of their course, thy cradle—-prove. 
A god, she knew not from hér, Bre, took, 
Aud all her frame, with mortal terrours, shook. . 
O pure Alcmena! os the Lieav'ns rely ; | 65 
Thy haughty rival's snares thou may’st defy ; 
Nor let those creatures fierce, thee horrour, give : 
Thus, mother of a deity, thou'lt live. 
Smiles on thy featutes show ;—a cheerful mind :— 
That, from thee, Jove may no discredit find. 70 





341 


No fright uhworthy of thy son, discloses : «^ * 
Behold th' example that thy: pring shows. " 


He, who thus raises iri thy b i fears, "°° n 
Devoid himself of'ev'ry dread appears. ' ^77 7!" 
The god, O Hercules! thy 'Tobk confessed':‘ ^ ^" 75 


Disdainful scoff, thy'courtehancé expressed. ^— ^ 
High mind -and rage possessing from thy $reji— ^" 
Most fit to act.the part the world &dinire ; poii mí 
Delightful pleasure thrilled throüeh ev'ry neWe, ^ 
That, such à step-dame, thou shéuldst well’ dés: "$80 
Thou seizd'st, with little hands, vast?throáts; at Tenge d 
Though tender, still assuming all thy strengfti- 7 7- - 
Thy arms, the heavy foad, éxtehding rourid; wed 
Thou dash’dst-the horrid ‘serpeiits gatst the ground, © 

Ler all the earth, to sfars celestial, raise - ^: :'" ^85 
Latona's twins* : aloud resound their praise ; J ui "t 
And Delos, now no more‘ pérceived to move, AM Ttt 


Their rank, among th’ Inintdrrats, clearly prove. i 
Not equal honours on their labours wait;— '' Wert 
No snakes, like these t ‘enicountet, was their fate; ~ " . 90 


A single foet by pointed stet] they slew: | 
Alone, unarmed, here Hercules killed to. ^ 
THESE efforts by thy "ihother seen, she ‘tHetice, i 
With cradle-clothes conceived she might dispense. ^ 
But when rough Winter chilled the earth with shÜw'rs, 
And, o'er the rivers, frost disclosed its powrs, * ^ 
To make thee hardy, oft thy limbs she'd lave — ^ 
And plunge thee naked in the icy wave. 531 °° 
No sooner had thy feet, first struggtes, tried, ' 
Than unconcerned, thy course, Alcmena eyed: ^" ‘” 300 


. * 


* Apollo and Diana. * The Python. 


Wo 


Across the verdant woods thou tookst thy way ; . 

Darts, terrible. to view, were made thy play; — 

Now bow, now sling thou us'dst with certain aim 5 

Th’ inhabitants of air thy prey became; | 

Beneath the stars at night, thou laidst thy head, 105 

And drankst pure streams that broken ice o'erspread. 
MEANWHILE against thee, armed the wife of. Jove, 

The lion fierce that ranged Numea's grove, 

Chimera's-race,—"want bullocks to. devour, " 

To whieh, in strength, she gave superior pow »5»...110 

And, to iperease bis native fury, sought, | 

Since, NATUBE's gift, she insufficient theught. 

Alas! how many men hig prey, he made ;— 

What num'rous boars his teeth oft prostrate laid; — 

Their walls deserted, cities saw in vain: — . | 115 

The dread of arms no triumph could obtain ; 

Crowds, by his savage jaws, were overthrown, 

That bad in battle proofs of valour shown. 

The sour Eurystheus (for, where'er thy stay, . 

Fare thes fequired a tyrantto obey, . -« 120 

The world to favour,) ordered, such his will, 

That thou, this furious animal, shouldst kill. 

Dot thy great brav ry, always held sublime,. 

Which ne'er shall silence meet through endless timo, 

And, when at length released from mortel frame, — 125 

Was worthy thought a place ‘mong stars to claim ;— 

Disdained to fancy thou wert doomed to die :— . 

Disclosed no hesitation to comply ;— 

Th’ extensive wood. thou search'dst completely o'er, 

Each secret part most anxious to explore, . 330 

Exciting bloody teeth, fresh rage, to show, 

And wounds again with fury to bestow. .—— 


$43 


The creature roesed, bis hair commencéd to ¥ise,—~ 
Claws moyed,-—mane trembled,~—-ruddy were tris exer ;' 
And, while in doubt he stood, with horrid roar; —^' rs 
Thy hands inspet&ously upon him bore, —.- :^ 

The monster by the hideous muzzle, seleedj- ^ c 
The threat’ning throat with pow'rful effort, equeesed 22 
And stretched the. mighty foe spon the ground, .:. 


With broken jaws as if quite foeble found. - — ^ — * 
Then eff thou striptst the skin with yellow hair, ^" ' 

Away the spoil triutmphattly to bear. ML 
Soón forth.tbe crowd to sound thy praises ran, ane 
In grounds long lef through fear, to skip began. — - E 
To see the fields they hastened with delight, + M5 
The places safe that caused excessive fright, en : | 


The wood where-bullocks might securely feed, 
And plains at length from dreadfel wailing freed. 

To Menalus from thence thou tookst tity way; 
And to Arcadia, filled with dire dismay, 156 
‘Where those were wept that felt the fatal stroke:ee ^ ' ^ 
And steril forests robbed of native oat, — ol 
A savage boar thete marked his bloody ceurse; 


The giant mass disclosed terrifick force; ^ o 055 
The limbs immense were torrid to the view ; 155 
Large trees of ash his curving tusks o'erthrew:—~ == * 
Laid wate the pastures, which ‘desired in vain, / 


With grief, the husbandumin's approach again. — : 

Erect appeared, upon. bis body black, ts 

Fierce triforked bristles to protect the backs- ^: 160 
From-tücks. beth shoulders har@pess had received, = 
And scarcely wag his death te be achieved. . 

No‘darts, nor knetty clab, ner heavy arms, 

By thee were used ; sueh Jessen glory's charme. - - - 


344 


At once contempt of wounds thy features wore; — 165 
With eagerness thou seie-dat the foaming boar ; 
The monster fel] before thy waodrous might ;— 
Upon his back constrained to view the light : 
With eyes confused, sucprised such fate to find,— 
To thee at length be victory resigned ; 170 
"Thou carriedst hina triumphantly away, 
Beneath the Grecian tyrant's roof, to. lay. 

TuRouGu all the globe with rapid pmions, Famer, 
Was led thy marv'lous conquest to proclaim ; 
Crete, where a bloody monstes, havock, made, 175 
From mighty Hercules assistance, prayed. 
A cruel bull, to which the-Moon gave birth, . 
O'erran Dictean fields, —Joye's native earth ; 
His mouth raised thunder ;—all his breath-was fire ; 
Not Heav'n scorched plains, but-respirauion dire. — 180 
The Doc-Srar might depast ;—the Beams oF Dar, 
By cold o'ercome, withdraw the golden ray, 
Concealing precious light from human eyes; 
And warmth quit burning orb amid surprise... ,— - 
The heat intense tbrough Crete's extept prevailed; 185 
Woods, lakes, herbs, perished :: sacred fountgins failed; 
The conflagration with such fury spread, =: - 
It even singed the lofty meinteins head: —— ;. 
Consumed the grass, before th’ IMMORTALS' faces 
That gave to Ida's brow superior grace; .. ; .; .. 190 
The Tuunp’rer’s cradle, such M we may wats 
Was ravaged by the horrid creature's flame, - 
At length swift Fame thg, these loud praised, bore, 
Led great Alcides to Dicueam shore. |, — ] 
An effort 'gainst the bull at once he mede, — - 199 
In spite of cruel menaces displayed : 














345 


His furious horns and blazing mouth he grasped ; 

With daring hand the limbs he strongly clasped : 
Compressed the pipes that yielded flowing fre, — ' . 
And forced tbe hideous monster to expire. 200 


FLNIS. 


Á———— mái 
Langdon and Son, Printers, Sherborne. 


ENTERED AT STATIONERS BALL 


ERRATA. 





VOL, 1. 
Page. Line. 
18, 144. For Hemus, "eod Hemus.. 
— 154. Put an apostrophe after stars’. 
23, 308. For Vultorus, read V ulturnus. 
43, 184. For Sinones, read Senones. 
46, 178. For Ilicit, read Ilicet. 
47, 9237. For Rufinus", reed Rurinvss | 
— 247. For At, read Ar. 
48, 199. For fatiabere, read satiabere. ; 
53, 358. Fer Rhipheus, read Rbipheus’.. l 
B4, 255. For Sparthace, read Spartace. 
55, 379. For compar'd, read compared.. 
61, 451. For wars, read weis. 
63,. 501. For 'twards, read t'wards.. 
65, 509. For Pangeus, read Panges. 
— 506 and 514. For Hemus, read Hemus.:» 
70, 9. For rabuit, read rubuit. 
71, 19. Puta semicolon-after gave ;. 
73, 21. Fon battles, read batile's. 
93, S1. For Ceraulia, read Ceraunia.. 
248, 575. For Though, read Tnovcn. 
115, 585, For jav'lins, rcad javelins. 
123, 718. Put a semicolon after brought.;: 
124, 512. For tormeta, read tormenta. 
188, S9. For gain, reed slain. 
188, 95. For hastis, reed hastes. 
141, 154 Put s semicolon after abode ; . 
153, Last line but one of the note: For he, read the.. 
188, 414. For spernere taurum, read sperneret aurum. 
207, .869. For tygers, read tigers. 
— 881. For names, read name. 
210, 640. For relinquas, read relinquas. 
213, 1€. Bor cheer'd, read cheered. and for charm' ; read.charmed... 
918, 92. Put a full stop after bedecked. 
—— 11% For Aldars, read Alders. 
220, 177. Pot a semicolun after cried ;: 
443, 253. For tygress, read tigress. 
228, 440. For mpelled, read Impelled:. 
$45, 193. For Cybilé, read Cybeló. 
457, 588. Put full stop after yield. 
958, 614: For echoe, read echo 
268, 747. For Unmoor, read “ Unmoor. : 
967, 20. No break. . 
200, 432. Put acomma after Tuunn’n sm 


"fh. 
M 


VOL, IL 
217, For re, read rest. ' 
440 Fer buss’, read boy's. 
18 For dextrous, read dex'tréas. 
363. Fer Gallick, read Gallic. 
454 For When, read When. 
547 Fer cautious, read cautious. 
635 Dele the apostrophe st the beginning of the Ene before i 
099, For battaBans, read bettalicas. 
200. Fer sav, vesd say. 
541. For Tgranes, read Tigranes. 
146 For Lien, read Than. 
9. Pu: a comma at the end of the lige afaer seppiia, 
529. Fes wondring, read wond' ring. 
24. Put » comma at the end of the line abes ahown, 
68. Pot a fail stop at the end.of the.Jine after (ast, 
74. Pat an spostrophe after Morotis’. 
156. Put s comma after nor, 
185. Put a comma at tbe end of the line after course, 
441. For Hyrcanian, read Hereyniaa. 
724. Dele the comma after emotion, - 
892. For Meander, reed Meander. 
31. For Sysens, ead Sirens. 
239. Put a comma at the end of the line after fight, 
56. For Palledius, read Palladius", 
49. For shepberd's, read shepherds". 
67. For Lycans, read Lyceus. 
7. For Ee'n, read E'en. 
23. For bear, read bare. 
125. For bearing, read dropping, 
389. For tears, read tears. 
492. Put a semiculon at the end of the lioe after bewailed ; 
257. For Typheus, read Ty phaus. 
420. For solitude, read solitudes: 
529. For alder, read alder. 
575. For courses, vead coursers. 
117. Dele the apostrophe before venge, 
169. For grotos, rcgd grottos. 
62. For Rhodopés, read Rhedopé's. 
58. For loves, read love's. 
$3. For liquified, read liquefied, 
53. For shades, read shade. 
10. Put a full stop after extends, 
Line second from the bottom, Put a colon-ofter found 3 
Five (tom tbe bottom, Put a full stop efter shade. 
Line lest, fer e, read Thee. . 
Epigram xxz. line 2. For globes.read globe. 
q7. For recal’dst, read recall’dst. 
49, For descend'st, read descend'dst. 


P Ps 
a Y 








oe 


= 





- . 
ow eer